Chelsea are on the verge of bringing in Marco Palestra from Atalanta after a deal in excess of £43million was struck with Atalanta on Tuesday evening
10:56, 24 Jun 2026Updated 11:13, 24 Jun 2026
Marco Palestra
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Chelsea have agreed a deal with Atalanta to sign Marco Palestra(Image: Fabrizio Carabelli/SOPA Images/LightRocket)
Chelsea are on the verge of making Marco Palestra their first signing of the Xabi Alonso era after the west Londoners struck an agreement in excess of £43million with Italian outfit Atalanta.
The 21-year-old defender is set to join the Blues on a long-term contract after his move to Inter Milan was hijacked on Tuesday. Inter had been in lengthy negotiations with their Serie A rivals but Chelsea entered proceedings at the last minute and Palestra is now on the brink of becoming the Blues' first summer signing (not including pre-agreements).
Xabi Alonso is said to have been a big driving force behind the move, despite not officially starting his role as Chelsea manager until July 1. Alonso has been given the title of 'manager' rather than 'head coach' like his predecessors, with the Spaniard being handed more power when it comes to the club's transfer business.
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After an impressive loan spell last season at Cagliari, Atalanta defender Palestra showed his versatility for the Italian side. The Italy international can play at right back, left back or as a wing back - something that really appeals to Alonso - but once upon a time, that might not have been the case.
During a recent interview, Palestra detailed how he became "angry" at Atalanta for trying to transform him from a midfielder into a full back. Now older, wiser and more mature, Palestra has accepted that it was for the good of his career.
Speaking in an interview with DAZN earlier this year, Palestra was asked what his preferred position is, and replied: "If I had to choose, I would say the right, but I'm fine on the left too. I started out playing in midfield until the Under-17s, then they had a shortage of left backs due to injuries, so the coach put me there.
"I was really angry at first, I didn't like it, but after three games I was moved to right back, and there I realised this could be my position. If I had continued as a midfielder, maybe I wouldn't be where I am now. I wasn't exactly someone who stood out."
He added: "I prefer to do some things with my left foot, like taking men on, but when it comes to shooting, I'm more right-footed. I try not to think about it too much, that way I can use both."
Palestra quickly emerged as one of Italy's brightest young prospects during his time with Cagliari. The Atalanta academy product made 37 appearances in Serie A for Fabio Pisacane's team - gaining invaluable first-team experience whereas if he had stayed at the New Balance Arena, it would have been much more of a struggle.
The Italian defender impressed so much that he was named in Serie A's official Team of the Season. Such performance and praise had Palestra thinking about his future in last month's interview with DAZN.
Asked if he feels ready for a 'big club', the soon-to-be Chelsea defender replied: "Yes, in order to improve, you must have ambition that can take you to become a top player. With every game I played this season, my confidence continued to grow.
"I didn't expect to be in the Serie A Team of the Season in my first real campaign, I never would've thought that at the start."
He continued: "It has been a wonderful year that changed my life. I think it was the best decision I could've made in every way. My Atalanta teammates have told me I would not regret coming to Cagliari - you really do feel welcomed here, it is a unique club with an entire island behind it."
A bright future awaits Palestra at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have huge plans for the Italian youngster - and it is really intriguing to see exactly how (and where) Alonso uses him as they both embark on their debut seasons with the west Londoners.
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