Marco Palestra Chelsea transfer is complete as the Blues sign the Italian right-back from Atalanta in a £47m deal, handing him a six-year contract.
The Marco Palestra Chelsea transfer is now official. Chelsea have completed the signing of Italian right-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta in a deal worth around £47 million, including add-ons.
The 21-year-old has signed a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge. In addition, Chelsea hold the option to extend the deal by another year. The move also makes Palestra the club’s first signing since Xabi Alonso was appointed manager.
The Marco Palestra Chelsea deal came as a surprise after the defender was widely expected to return to his boyhood club, Inter Milan. However, Chelsea acted quickly and outbid the Italian giants, whose reported offer was around £43 million.
Reports from Italy also claim Chelsea offered the young defender a more attractive salary package.
Speaking after completing the Marco Palestra Chelsea move, the defender explained why he chose Stamford Bridge.
“A lot of things convinced me to join Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world.
“We have so many talented players here, a very strong squad and a manager in Xabi.
“He has spoken to me about how he wants us to play, which is exciting, and we can’t wait to compete in the Premier League.”
The Marco Palestra Chelsea transfer follows an outstanding campaign on loan at Cagliari. During that spell, he was named Serie A Defender of the Year. As a result, he also earned his senior debut for Italy during the World Cup play-offs.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are expected to continue strengthening their squad before the new season. The Blues are reportedly targeting Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix. They are also in discussions over Rayo Vallecano full-back Pep Chavarria.
In addition, Sunderland have rejected an £8 million bid from Chelsea for captain Granit Xhaka, who previously played under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen.
Chelsea have also agreed deals to sign striker Emmanuel Emegha from Strasbourg and winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP. Midfielder Valentin Barco is also expected to complete a move.
Furthermore, the club are considering the addition of another central midfielder and a versatile forward. However, further signings could depend on player departures after Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season and failed to qualify for European competition.
Midfielder Enzo Fernandez is reportedly attracting interest from Real Madrid and is open to leaving the club. Meanwhile, Como have opened talks over a move for Trevoh Chalobah.
The futures of Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto and Tosin Adarabioyo also remain uncertain as Chelsea continue reshaping their squad.
The Marco Palestra Chelsea transfer signals the beginning of a busy summer for the Blues as Xabi Alonso starts building his team ahead of the new Premier League season.
