Chelsea have completed the signing of Italian right-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta in a deal worth around £47 million, including add-ons, as new manager Xabi Alonso begins reshaping his squad ahead of the new season.
The 21-year-old has signed a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, with the club holding the option of a further 12 months. He becomes the first signing of the Alonso era after the Spaniard took charge earlier this summer.
Chelsea moved decisively to secure Palestra’s signature despite strong interest from Inter Milan, who had been close to bringing the defender back to his boyhood club. However, the Blues reportedly surpassed Inter’s £43 million offer and also presented the Italian with a more lucrative financial package.
Speaking after completing the move, Palestra said he was excited to begin a new chapter in England.
“A lot of things convinced me to join Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world,” he 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.”
Palestra arrives after an outstanding campaign on loan at Cagliari, where he was named Serie A Defender of the Year following a series of impressive performances.
Chelsea’s recruitment drive is expected to continue, with Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix emerging as the club’s primary defensive target. The Blues are also discussing a possible move for Rayo Vallecano full-back Pep Chavarria as they seek further reinforcements across the back line.
In midfield, Chelsea have reportedly seen Sunderland reject an £8 million offer for former Bayer Leverkusen captain Granit Xhaka, who previously worked under Alonso in Germany.
The London club have also lined up additional attacking reinforcements, with striker Emmanuel Emegha expected to arrive from Strasbourg and winger Geovany Quenda set to join from Sporting. Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco is also close to completing a move to Stamford Bridge.
Despite the influx of new arrivals, Chelsea are expected to balance their spending through player sales after finishing 10th in the Premier League last season and missing out on European qualification.
Midfielder Enzo Fernandez continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid, while Como are reportedly in talks over defender Trevoh Chalobah.
Several other first-team players, including Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto and Tosin Adarabioyo, also face uncertain futures as Alonso continues to reshape his squad for the upcoming campaign.
