Marco Palestra is set to become the first signing of the Xabi Alonso era at Chelsea with the Italian defender expected to sign a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge
11:21, 24 Jun 2026Updated 11:26, 24 Jun 2026
Marco Palestra
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Marco Palestra is on his way to Chelsea(Image: Tiziano Ballabio/NurPhoto)
Chelsea value Malo Gusto at £75million with interest from Manchester City and numerous other big clubs in the right back.
Blues insiders have told football.london that there is a keen interest from Manchester City in Gusto this summer, with former head coach Enzo Maresca said to be eyeing a reunion with the France international. With Marco Palestra, Reece James and Josh Acheampong as options on the right-hand side of defence, Gusto could be sold if the price is right this summer.
Gusto was a favourite during his time working with Maresca, who has informed Man City's board of his desire to bring the Chelsea defender to the Etihad Stadium. The 23-year-old, sources say, will be available if a £45m offer arrives the Blues' way.
The Frenchman remains highly rated at Stamford Bridge with the club not actively looking to sell. Chelsea will only sell Gusto, sources say, if their £75m valuation is met this summer.
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Meanwhile, the Blues have struck an agreement, which sources say is in excess of £43m, with the Italian club for the 21-year-old versatile full back. Palestra looked set to join Italian champions Inter Milan, however Chelsea hijacked the deal at the last minute.
After 24 hours of talks with the Blues, Palestra has reached an agreement over personal terms with Inter not prepared to increase their offer. Alonso is understood to have been instrumental in driving the move from Chelsea's perspective, with the incoming manager already showing the extra impetus he has when it comes to the club's transfer business.
Marco Palestra
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Chelsea have agreed a deal with Atalanta to sign Marco Palestra(Image: Fabrizio Carabelli/SOPA Images/LightRocket)
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Palestra is set to have a medical at Chelsea before completing his move from Atalanta, with official confirmation pending. The Italy international is highly regarded around Europe with Chelsea tracking his progress in Serie A last season while on loan at Cagliari. It is understood that Alonso is a huge fan of Palestra's versatility - with the Atalanta youngster able to play right back, left back and also at wing back if the manager opts with a three-back system at Stamford Bridge.
Things are really beginning to move for Chelsea after a slow start to the summer transfer window. The Blues are on the hunt for a starting-level centre back as they search for a long-term defensive partner for the highly-rated Levi Colwill. football.london understands Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace and Como's Jacobo Ramon are two options in a long list of central defenders being looked at this summer.