Xabi Alonso has made his first signing as Chelsea manager – and he did it by snatching Marco Palestra from under Inter Milan's nose. The 21-year-old Italy international joined from Atalanta for about £47m including add-ons, after Chelsea moved quickly to surpass Inter's £43m offer and, according to sources in Italy, offered a more substantial wage package.
“A lot of things convinced me to join Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world,” Palestra said. “We have so many talented players here, a very strong squad and 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.”
“Chelsea complete £47m signing of Italy defender Marco Palestra as first Xabi Alonso arrival; Liverpool confirm £60m Jeremy Jacquet deal.”
Palestra, who spent last season on loan at Cagliari and was named Serie A's defender of the year, has signed a six-year deal with the option of a further year. The rapid rise from Italy's third tier with Atalanta's under-23 side to Chelsea has taken just three years, with his senior Atalanta debut in the Europa League in December 2023 and his Italy debut during the high-pressure World Cup play-offs in between. At Cagliari, he attempted 73 dribbles over distances of more than 5m – the most by any defender in Serie A – and his 70 successful dribbles were the highest of any defender across Europe's top 10 leagues.
While Chelsea celebrate their new right‑back, they are already prioritising a move for a centre‑back, with Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix expected to be their primary target. A move for Rayo Vallecano full‑back Pep Chavarria is also in discussion, while agreed deals exist for striker Emmanuel Emegha from Strasbourg and winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting. Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco is expected to complete a move. Midfielder Enzo Fernandez is keen to leave and attracting interest from Real Madrid, while Serie A side Como have held talks over a move for Trevoh Chalobah. The Blues' activity depends on player sales after they finished 10th in the Premier League last season and failed to qualify for Europe.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have officially confirmed the signing of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes. The France Under‑21 centre‑back, 20, joins for a fee of £55m plus up to £5m in add‑ons, signing a five‑year deal that was agreed in January. Jacquet suffered a shoulder injury shortly after the agreement but has successfully completed a rehabilitation programme and is now doing individual fitness work, and he is expected to be available for the start of pre‑season training. Liverpool players return on 14 July before travelling to the US for a pre‑season tour on 20 July.
“For me it's a big dream. It's a big club,” Jacquet said. “I am very happy. When I see the facilities, I can see myself there. I feel good here and I am very excited to get started.”
Jacquet came through the Rennes academy and made 33 appearances in Ligue 1. He will join club captain Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni as new head coach Andoni Iraola's centre‑half options, after Ibrahima Konate left for Real Madrid when his contract expired this summer. Leoni's debut at Anfield was ruined by an anterior cruciate ligament injury that ended his season, but he is continuing his fitness work and is expected to be involved in pre‑season at some point.