Chelsea are set to make Atalanta defender Marco Palestra the first signing of the Xabi Alonso era, with a deal in excess of £43m expected to be completed within the next 24 hours. The 21-year-old Italy international had been widely expected to join Italian champions Inter Milan after a standout loan spell at Cagliari last season, where he was named Serie A’s best defender. But after 24 hours of talks, the Premier League club emerged as Palestra’s preferred destination, with sources in Italy claiming Inter could not match Chelsea’s offer on personal terms.
Palestra, who made his international debut for Italy this year, is viewed at Stamford Bridge as an exciting option capable of playing on either flank, both as a wing‑back and a more conventional full‑back. He played 37 times for Cagliari last season, scoring once and delivering four assists. The move is an early sign of Alonso’s influence; the former Spain midfielder was appointed as manager rather than head coach last month, replacing Liam Rosenior, and has been in regular contact with the club hierarchy regarding incoming and outgoing transfers since his appointment. He formally joins Chelsea on 1 July and approved the Palestra deal.
“Chelsea set to sign Atalanta defender Marco Palestra for £43m+ as Xabi Alonso's first signing.”
The signing is the first major purchase of the summer, but Chelsea are also targeting at least one central defender as well as a midfielder – likely to be Strasbourg’s Valentin Barco, with multiple sources suggesting that deal is close. A further versatile attacker is also on the list. Meanwhile, a number of players are already scheduled to arrive, including £40m winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting and Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha, in deals completed last year. Further departures are expected following Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid, as Chelsea look to trim a squad that endured a turbulent season, finishing 10th in the Premier League and failing to qualify for Europe. The Palestra deal signals the start of a rebuild under Alonso, who will hope to restore the club to the top of English football.