Chelsea have hijacked Inter Milan’s move for Marco Palestra, with the Atalanta defender set to become the first signing of the Xabi Alonso era after the Premier League club agreed a fee in excess of £43m.
The 21-year-old Italy international had been expected to join the Italian champions following a successful loan spell at Cagliari last season, where he was named Serie A’s best defender. But after 24 hours of talks, Chelsea emerged as his preferred destination — sources in Italy claim Inter could not match the personal terms on offer.
“Chelsea set to sign Atalanta defender Marco Palestra for over £43m as Xabi Alonso's first signing.”
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 as a more conventional full-back. The move is also an early sign of Alonso’s influence: the former Spain midfielder was appointed as manager rather than head coach in May, replacing Liam Rosenior, and is understood to have approved the deal.
Alonso formally joins Chelsea on 1 July but has been in regular contact with the club hierarchy regarding incoming and outgoing transfers. Chelsea are also targeting at least one central defender, a midfielder — likely to be Strasbourg’s Valentin Barco — and a further versatile attacker, with multiple sources suggesting the Barco deal is close.
Several players are already scheduled to arrive in west London this summer from deals completed last year, including £40m winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting and Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha. Meanwhile, Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid marks the start of expected departures as Chelsea look to trim their squad after a turbulent season in which they finished 10th in the Premier League and failed to qualify for Europe.