Fresh transfer reports claim Chelsea are making frantic moves in a determined attempt to hijack Inter’s advanced pursuit of Marco Palestra. The Blues are reported to be lining up a bid in excess of €50 million for the highly-rated Atalanta full-back this summer.
Inter have been in talks over the 21-year-old, with discussions centred on a €45 million (£39m) deal plus a further €5 million (£4.3m) in performance-related bonuses. Chelsea would not only match that valuation but also pay the youngster a far superior salary to what the Nerazzurri are realistically able to offer. Atalanta are holding out for a fee in excess of €50 million, and now it is up to the player and the Bergamo club to decide.
Most importantly, Palestra is under contract until June 2029, giving Atalanta plenty of bargaining power. The Bergamo side are not under any pressure to accept a reduced offer for a player they view as a genuine long-term asset. That means any suitor, including Chelsea, will have to pay almost the full asking price to prise him away.
Manchester City have also been monitoring the situation, but a raft of reports suggest the defender is absolutely set on staying in Italy. His agent has been in Milan in recent days for negotiations and a pre-agreement on personal terms worth around €3 million per season for a five-year contract is said to already be in place. The next few weeks will reveal if Chelsea’s superior financial offer can turn what appears to be a straightforward homegrown transfer on its head.
Chelsea continue to search for full-back options
Reports have also suggested that Chelsea made an enquiry about Roma’s Brazilian full-back Wesley earlier in this transfer window, in addition to the Palestra chase. But the Giallorossi have dismissed that line of thought and are adamant the 22-year-old is simply not for sale this summer.
Wesley joined Roma from Flamengo back in July 2025, with the Giallorossi paying the Brazilian club €25 million for his signature. The Brazil international quickly justified that outlay, working well on either flank and emerging as one of the capital club’s most consistent performers.
Gasperini has put the defender on the unsellable list, while Roma have reportedly rejected several approaches from the Premier League. Interest from Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid has only served to strengthen the club’s resolve to keep hold of their prized young asset. And with the squad due to gather at Trigoria on July 13 or thereabouts, Gasperini will be desperate to keep his settled defence intact for the campaign ahead.