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Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra has flown in to London “to undergo a medical” ahead of completing his move to Chelsea.
The Standard report that the £43m transfer is now close to “completion”, with the Italian international set to be Xabi Alonso’s first signing since taking the job at Stamford Bridge.
Palestra looked set to join Serie A champions Inter Milan, but the Blues moved quickly to hijack the deal.
It is believed that Alonso played an important role in persuading the 21-year-old, who spent last season out on loan at Cagliari.
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Why has Palestra been signed?
The Italian is equally comfortable playing in a four-man defence and a three at the back system, which perfectly suits Alonso’s style of play
During his time at Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso had a lot of success using wingbacks, and Palestra would be an ideal fit on the right flank.
With Cagliari, he played all but 5 of his 37 matches as a right wingback, with 2 of his other starts coming as a left wingback.
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What does this mean for Chelsea’s other fullbacks?
The arrival of Palestra does suggest that Alonso is keen on playing a 3-4-3 formation. Captain Reece James has played that system before, and he would not have much trouble adapting to it.
Malo Gusto, on the other hand, has started very few games as a wingback (25 in 195 senior appearances), so there are question marks over his future, especially as Palestra favours the right-hand side.
The Blues will likely be in the market for a corresponding wingback on the left flank. Jorrel Hato wouldn’t be comfortable in that position, and he would probably be deployed on the left side in a back three. With Marc Cucurella having departed for Real Madrid, it is an area that could do with some strengthening.