Chelsea Finalizes €55-60M Transfer of Atalanta Defender Marco Palestra
Italian defender Marco Palestra (21-22) is set to join Chelsea from Atalanta for a fee of €55-60 million, including bonuses and a 10% sell-on clause. He will travel to London on June 26, 2026, for a medical and sign a six-year contract with a one-year option. The move, backed by new manager Xabi Alonso, blocks Inter Milan’s pursuit and highlights Chelsea’s focus on young talent amid fan protests.
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Liverpool Complete £60m Jacquet Deal as Chelsea Tie Up £47m Palestra Move
Liverpool and Chelsea have completed significant football transfers. Jérémy Jacquet, a 20-year-old France Under-21 centre-back, moved from Rennes to Liverpool for £60m (£55m initial, £5m add-ons) on a five-year contract, beating Chelsea and Bayern Munich to the signing. Jacquet had been recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in January. Meanwhile, Chelsea announced the £47m signing of Italy right-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta on a seven-year contract through 2033, making him the first signing under new manager Xabi Alonso. Palestra had a successful loan spell at Cagliari. The moves are part of both clubs' squad reshaping ahead of the season.
Football | The GuardianTwo New Chelsea Signings Join Xabi Alonso on First Day at Training Ground
Xabi Alonso officially began his tenure as Chelsea head coach on July 1, 2026, and was joined at the Cobham training ground by two new signings: Geovany Quenda and Dastan Satpayev. Quenda, a 19-year-old versatile player who agreed a move from Sporting CP in March 2025, spent last season on loan in Portugal, scoring six goals and registering nine assists despite a broken metatarsal. Satpayev was photographed with club officials. Chelsea also confirmed the signing of Marco Palestra from Atalanta, while other pre-agreed acquisitions include Strasbourg's Emmanuel Emegha and Valentin Barco. The article notes potential outgoings, including Malo Gusto (linked to Manchester City) and Enzo Fernandez (targeted by Real Madrid), but their futures may not be resolved until mid-July due to World Cup commitments.
Mirror - Transfer NewsChelsea Signs Marco Palestra in First Major Transfer of the Xabi Alonso Era
Chelsea has announced the signing of 21-year-old Italian full-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta for 57 million euros, marking the first major acquisition under new manager Xabi Alonso. Palestra, who spent last season on loan at Cagliari where he played 37 Serie A matches and was named Best Defender of the championship, has signed a contract through 2033. He will immediately join Chelsea's pre-season training. The Italian international cited Alonso's project and vision as key factors in his decision to move to London. His arrival addresses defensive gaps left by the departure of Marc Cucurella, and further defensive reinforcements, including Pep Chevarría, are expected.
FútbolOfficial: Chelsea Signs Marco Palestra for €55M as Xabi Alonso's First Signing
Chelsea has officially announced the signing of Italian right-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta for €55 million (including variables), marking the first acquisition under new manager Xabi Alonso. The 21-year-old, who spent the 2025-2026 season on loan at Cagliari, made 37 appearances this season, scoring one goal and providing four assists. Chelsea improved Inter Milan's initial offer of €45+5M and offered a higher salary to secure the deal, beating out Newcastle and interest from Arsenal and Liverpool. Palestra, a two-time Italy international praised Alonso's project, is expected to compete with captain Reece James and could lead to the sale of French full-back Malo Gusto, valued at €87 million.
Fútbol en AS.comChelsea Signs Italian Right-Back Marco Palestra from Atalanta Until 2033
Chelsea officially announced the signing of 21-year-old Italian right-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta Bergamo on a seven-year contract through June 2033. The transfer fee is reportedly €50 million according to Sky Sports. The two-time Italian international spent the 2025-2026 season on loan at Cagliari, making 37 Serie A appearances with one goal and four assists. Palestra, once tracked by Inter Milan, is considered a rising star for the Italian national team. He will join his new Chelsea teammates during preseason under manager Xabi Alonso.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuChelsea sign Italy defender Marco Palestra from Atalanta for £47m
Chelsea have completed the signing of Italian right-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta for a fee of approximately £47 million, including add-ons. The 21-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Cagliari and was named Serie A's defender of the year, has signed a six-year contract with an optional extra year. He becomes the first arrival under new manager Xabi Alonso. Palestra, who also made his senior Italy debut in the World Cup play-offs, had agreed to rejoin childhood club Inter Milan, but Chelsea outbid them with a higher fee and wage package. The article notes Chelsea are now prioritizing a center-back signing, with Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix as a primary target, and discusses other potential moves and player departures, including midfielder Enzo Fernandez's interest in leaving for Real Madrid. The report includes quotes from Palestra expressing excitement about joining Chelsea and from former Cagliari sporting director Guido Angelozzi praising the player's maturity.
BBC SportChelsea confirm first Xabi Alonso transfer as Marco Palestra sends emotional message
Chelsea have officially signed 21-year-old defender Marco Palestra from Atalanta for over £43 million on a seven-year deal, making it the first confirmed signing of the Xabi Alonso era at Stamford Bridge. Palestra, who impressed on loan at Cagliari last season, was also pursued by Inter Milan before Chelsea gazumped their offer. The Italian expressed excitement about joining one of the best clubs in the world and working under manager Xabi Alonso. He also posted an emotional farewell to Atalanta on Instagram, thanking the club for 11 years of support. Other new additions include Emmanuel Emegha, Valentin Barco, Geovany Quenda, and Dastan Satpayev. Meanwhile, exits are expected for Enzo Fernandez, Malo Gusto, and Marc Cucurella.
Mirror - FootballMarco Palestra commits to Chelsea
Chelsea has announced its first summer signing of the 2026 window, securing Marco Palestra, a 21-year-old Italian right-back from Atalanta. Palestra, who was loaned to Cagliari for the 2025-2026 season, made 37 appearances and scored one goal in Serie A, earning the title of best defender in the Italian league. He has signed a contract until 2033, with an optional additional year. Chelsea paid approximately €55 million to beat Inter Milan, who wanted Palestra as a replacement for Denzel Dumfries. Palestra expressed excitement about joining Chelsea, citing manager Xabi Alonso's vision. The signing may be influenced by Malo Gusto's potential move to Manchester City.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertChelsea blocks Inter Milan deal, secures Marco Palestra transfer
Chelsea FC has secured its second expensive summer transfer by signing talented full-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta Bergamo. The young defender was widely expected to join Inter Milan, but Chelsea's superior bid convinced Atalanta to sell. The move strengthens Chelsea's defensive options for the upcoming season and marks a significant transfer market victory over their Serie A rivals. The deal highlights the ongoing financial competition between top European clubs for promising talent.
kicker Fußball NewsChelsea: Medical Scheduled for Marco Palestra
Chelsea has agreed a €55 million transfer deal with Atalanta for versatile right-back Marco Palestra. According to Sky Sports, Palestra arrived in London from Rome last night and will undergo a medical examination on Friday before signing his contract. The 22-year-old defender is set to become the first summer signing for new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso. The article, published by Foot Mercato on June 26, 2026, confirms the Premier League club's offensive in the transfer market, marking a significant acquisition to strengthen their defensive options at Stamford Bridge.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertMarco Palestra breaks silence, set for Chelsea medical on Friday
Chelsea's imminent signing Marco Palestra, a 21-year-old Italian defender from Atalanta, has spoken publicly for the first time about his move, saying he is 'happy to join Chelsea' and excited for the new chapter. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Palestra is due in London on Friday, June 26, 2026, for a medical examination. He will sign a contract with Chelsea until June 2032, with an option for an additional year until 2033. The article notes that while Chelsea fans may welcome the young talent, there is skepticism about the club's continued reliance on youth signings, especially amid fan protests and the potential departure of experienced players like Malo Gusto. The report is sourced from CaughtOffside, citing Romano's social media posts and BBC Sport's suggestions.
CaughtOffsidePalestra to Undergo Chelsea Medical on Friday, Signing Six-Year Contract with Option
According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Atalanta defender Palestra will travel to London on Friday to undergo a medical examination as a new Chelsea signing. The total transfer fee is reported to be over €55 million. Palestra is expected to sign a contract with Chelsea valid until June 2032, with an option to extend the deal for an additional year through 2033. The report originates from Hupu Football News, citing Romano's social media post on X. Fans are awaiting an official announcement from the club.
虎扑 - 足球Di Marzio: Marco Palestra Transfer to Chelsea Not Yet Finalized, €60 Million Fee Plus 10% Sell-On Clause
According to Italian Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Atalanta defender Marco Palestra is set to join Chelsea in the Premier League under manager Xabi Alonso. The transfer fee is €57 million with an additional €3 million in performance-related bonuses, totaling €60 million. Atalanta will also retain a 10% sell-on clause for any future transfer. The move is not yet completed; both clubs' legal teams are finalizing contract details, and no medical examination has been scheduled. No appointment is expected for tomorrow, indicating the deal is still being ironed out before the player officially joins Chelsea.
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