Chelsea are closing in on a deal worth more than £43 million for Atalanta defender Marco Palestra, with the 21-year-old set to become the first signing of the Xabi Alonso era at Stamford Bridge.
Palestra had been widely expected to join Italian champions Inter Milan after an impressive loan spell with Cagliari last season, where he earned recognition as Serie A’s top defender. However, following intensive discussions over the past 24 hours, Chelsea have emerged as the player’s preferred destination, with reports in Italy suggesting Inter were unable to match the Premier League club’s financial package.
The young Italian international, who made his senior debut for Italy earlier this year, is valued for his versatility. He can operate on either flank as a wing-back or as a traditional full-back, offering flexibility that fits Alonso’s tactical plans.
The move also highlights Alonso’s growing influence at Chelsea. The Spaniard, who was appointed as manager rather than head coach following Liam Rosenior’s departure in May, is understood to have approved the transfer. Although Alonso officially begins work on 1 July, he has already been involved in discussions regarding the club’s summer recruitment strategy.
Chelsea are expected to remain active in the transfer market. The club is seeking at least one central defender and a midfielder, with Strasbourg’s Valentin Barco believed to be among their leading targets. A versatile attacking player is also on the club’s shortlist.
Additional reinforcements are already on the way through previously agreed deals, including Sporting winger Geovany Quenda and Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha.
At the same time, Chelsea are preparing for further squad changes after Marc Cucurella’s departure to Real Madrid. The club aims to streamline its squad following a disappointing campaign that ended with a 10th-place finish in the Premier League and no qualification for European competition.