Inter Milan Nears €50M Signing of Atalanta’s Marco Palestra
Inter Milan is close to signing 21-year-old Atalanta wing-back Marco Palestra for a total package of €50 million including bonuses. After initial valuation gaps, negotiations have progressed with both clubs adjusting positions. Inter and Palestra have agreed on personal terms for a five-year contract until 2031. The deal is in final stages, with discussions ongoing over bonus clauses and a future sell-on percentage. Barcelona, Manchester City, and Newcastle had also shown interest.
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Chelsea signs Italian right-back Marco Palestra to 2033 contract
Chelsea has officially announced the signing of 21-year-old Italian right-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta Bergamo, with the player committing to a seven-season contract until June 2033. The transfer fee is reportedly €50M according to Sky Sports. Palestra, a two-time Italian international, joins after a convincing 2025-2026 season on loan at Cagliari, where he made 37 Serie A appearances, scoring one goal and providing four assists. He will join his new teammates during pre-season under manager Xabi Alonso. The defender was previously tracked by Inter Milan and is considered a promising prospect for the Italian national team.
Mercato 2025 : l'actu des transferts footChelsea signs Italian right-back Marco Palestra until 2033
Chelsea have officially announced the signing of 21-year-old Italian right-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta Bergamo. The defender has committed to the London club until June 2033, with the transfer fee reportedly €50 million according to Sky Sports. Palestra, a two-time Italian international, is considered a rising talent for the Nazionale. He spent the 2025-2026 season on loan at Cagliari, where he impressed with 37 Serie A appearances, scoring one goal and providing four assists. The player will join his new teammates during pre-season under manager Xabi Alonso. Previously tracked by Inter Milan, Palestra's arrival fills Chelsea's need for a right-back.
Mercato 2025 : l'actu des transferts footChelsea Close in on £43m Transfer of Atalanta Right-Back Marco Palestra
Chelsea are finalizing the £43 million signing of 21-year-old Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, who impressed on loan at Cagliari last season with one goal and four assists in Serie A. Former Cagliari sporting director Guido Angelozzi revealed that Chelsea and Manchester City had been scouting Palestra for over a year, with constant calls and stadium visits. The Italian defender's arrival could push Chelsea's Malo Gusto down the pecking order, with Gusto linked to a reunion with former manager Enzo Maresca at Manchester City. Palestra is expected to compete with Reece James for the starting right-back position, and the article speculates on whether he can justify the investment and secure regular first-team football.
CaughtOffsideChelsea to Sign Atalanta Right-Back Marco Palestra for €57 Million
Chelsea is set to acquire Italian right-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta Bergamo for a fee of €57 million, plus €3 million in bonuses, according to Sky Sports Italia. The 21-year-old, who has two caps for Italy and was on loan at Cagliari last season, is expected to sign a contract until 2032. His transfer would make him the second most expensive Italian in Premier League history, behind Sandro Tonali (€60 million). Palestra, previously linked to Inter Milan, is scheduled to undergo a medical this week.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuChelsea Close to Finalising £47.3m Signing of Marco Palestra on Six-Year Contract
Chelsea are reportedly close to signing Italian right-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta for €55m (£47.3m). The 21-year-old is set to undergo a medical in London on Friday and will sign a six-year contract until June 2032, with an option for an additional year. The transfer was confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who noted Chelsea hijacked Inter Milan's move for the player. The article notes that while Palestra is a promising talent, some fans are concerned about Chelsea's continued focus on young prospects rather than experienced players, especially after a 10th-place Premier League finish. There is speculation that the signing could lead to the sale of current right-back Malo Gusto to Manchester City.
CaughtOffsideChelsea hijacks Tottenham and Inter Milan target Marco Palestra in Serie A Defender of the Year deal
Tottenham Hotspur, narrowly avoiding Premier League relegation last season, have been dealt a major transfer blow as Chelsea secured a deal for Marco Palestra, the 2025/26 Serie A Defender of the Year. The 21-year-old Atalanta wing-back, who impressed on loan at Cagliari with one goal and four assists in 37 appearances, was a long-term target for Tottenham and also close to joining Inter Milan. According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea hijacked the move, reaching a verbal agreement for a package worth over €55 million plus a sell-on clause. This setback follows Tottenham's recent defensive reinforcements, including Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and Jan Paul van Hecke, as they look to strengthen under manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Yardbarker: SoccerChelsea agrees €60 million deal with Atalanta for Marco Palestra
Italian Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Chelsea has reached a principle agreement with Atalanta for 2005-born winger Marco Palestra. The deal includes a €57 million transfer fee plus €3 million in add-ons and a 10% future resale clause. Palestra will sign a six-year contract with an annual salary of €5 million. Inter Milan had been actively pursuing the player and met with his agent, formally submitting an offer. Newcastle United also offered €3.5-4 million annually but did not convince Palestra, who preferred Inter. Chelsea, monitoring since early June, accelerated efforts with decisive communication from Xabi Alonso explaining Palestra's role in the Blues' project. The €5 million salary (double Inter's offer) tipped the balance. After discussing with both clubs, Palestra left the final choice to Atalanta, who accepted Chelsea's gradually increased offer from an initial €50 million. Final administrative and legal procedures, medical examinations, and contract signing are pending.
虎扑 - 足球Romano confirms 'Here we go': Chelsea hijack Inter Milan move for Atalanta wing-back Marco Palestra
Chelsea have successfully hijacked Inter Milan's pursuit of Atalanta right-wing-back Marco Palestra, with a verbal agreement now reached for a transfer worth over €55 million, including a sell-on clause. Fabrizio Romano has given his 'Here we go' confirmation. The 21-year-old Italian, who impressed on loan at Cagliari last season with one goal and four assists, is expected to sign a long-term contract under new manager Xabi Alonso. Chelsea reportedly doubled Inter's contract offer to the player, paying around £47.5 million. The signing provides tactical flexibility as Palestra can play on both flanks, and raises questions about the future of Chelsea's current full-backs, including Malo Gusto, who has been linked with Manchester City.
CaughtOffsideXabi Alonso Promises Key Role to Atalanta's Palestra in Chelsea Transfer
According to multiple reports, Atalanta wing-back Matteo Palestra is set to join Chelsea. Renowned journalist Matteo Moretto reports that on June 23, Palestra received a phone call from Xabi Alonso, who assured the player that he would play a core role in Chelsea's plans. The player is scheduled to arrange his trip to London on June 24 to finalize the transfer. The news was sourced from Hupu soccer and originally reported by X (formerly Twitter). This development signals Chelsea's active pursuit of defensive reinforcements under Alonso's influence.
虎扑 - 足球Chelsea Sign Atalanta Wing-Back Marco Palestra for Over €55 Million
According to renowned football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Atalanta wing-back Marco Palestra is set to join Chelsea in a deal worth over €55 million, plus a sell-on clause. Romano confirmed the move with his signature 'Here we go' announcement, indicating verbal agreements have been reached between all parties. Chelsea will sign the Italian right-back prodigy to a long-term contract. The transfer was reported by Hupu Football News on June 24th.
虎扑 - 足球Chelsea Secures Marco Palestra for Over 55 Million Euros Ahead of Xabi Alonso Era
Premier League club Chelsea has agreed to a transfer worth over 55 million euros, including bonuses, for Atalanta and Italian international full-back Marco Palestra. The 21-year-old, who impressed on loan at Cagliari last season with 37 appearances, 1 goal, and 4 assists, was initially expected to join Inter Milan. However, Chelsea's higher offer, reportedly over double Inter's proposed salary (6 million euros per season vs 2.5 million), secured the player's commitment. The transfer is part of Chelsea's plan to build an ideal squad for newly appointed head coach Xabi Alonso after a failed season. The deal is in its final stages, with the player having given his green light to the move. The article also notes that Chelsea's current right-back Malo Gusto is attracting interest from Manchester City, a situation to monitor after Palestra's signing is official.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertChelsea Reaches Agreement in Principle with Atalanta for Signing Palestra
According to Italian journalist Di Marzio, Chelsea and Atalanta have reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of player Palestra. The deal includes a transfer fee of approximately €57 million plus €3 million in add-ons, along with a 10% future sell-on clause. The two clubs will finalize administrative and legal details on the morning of June 24 local time, after which personal terms will be settled with a five-year contract and an annual salary of €5 million for Palestra. Inter Milan had previously made a verbal offer of €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons and offered a five-year contract with a €2.5 million annual salary. Xabi Alonso's lobbying for Palestra was reportedly effective. Palestra expressed openness to joining both clubs and left the decision to Atalanta, which ultimately chose Chelsea's offer from the Premier League.
虎扑 - 足球Chelsea Offers €55 Million Plus Sell-On Clause for Marco Palestra, Deal Nearing Completion
Italian Sky Sports journalist Di Marzio reports that Chelsea is close to finalizing the signing of Atalanta defender Marco Palestra. Chelsea has submitted a heavy offer totaling €55 million, including a fixed transfer fee, bonuses, and a higher percentage future sell-on clause. The club has overtaken Inter Milan in the race and offered the player a five-year contract worth €5 million per year—double Inter's offer. The transfer to the Premier League is in its final stages. Manager Xabi Alonso is reportedly keen on bringing the player to Chelsea.
虎扑 - 足球Marco Palestra Rejects Tottenham Hotspur, Chooses Inter Milan Over Premier League Suitors
Marco Palestra, a 21-year-old wing-back from Atalanta, has definitively rejected Tottenham Hotspur and other Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Manchester City, and Newcastle United in favor of a transfer to Inter Milan. Palestra, who was voted Serie A Defender of the Season after an impressive loan spell at Cagliari with one goal and four assists in 37 league matches, communicated his singular ambition to join Inter Milan. His childhood connections to Inter's academy system proved decisive. Inter Milan is working to finalize a deal worth €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons. The rejection is a blow to Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi's summer recruitment plans, highlighting the growing importance of player preference over financial superiority in modern football transfers.
Yardbarker: SoccerXabi Alonso Approves Chelsea's £43m Signing of Marco Palestra; Midfield Reinforcement Likely Valentin Barco
BBC Sport reports that Chelsea is set to sign Atalanta defender Marco Palestra for over £43 million, marking the first major signing under new manager Xabi Alonso. The 21-year-old, who was named Serie A's Best Defender during a loan at Cagliari and made his Italy debut this year, chose Chelsea over Inter Milan due to superior personal terms. Alonso, who will officially take charge on July 1, approved the deal. Chelsea's transfer targets also include a center-back, a midfielder (likely Strasbourg's Valentin Barco), and a versatile attacker. Additionally, pre-agreed deals for Sporting Lisbon's Geovany Quenda (£40m) and Strasbourg's Emmanuel Emegha are expected. Following Marc Cucurella's departure to Real Madrid, more exits are anticipated as Chelsea streamlines its squad after a 10th-place Premier League finish.
虎扑 - 足球Moretto: Chelsea Offers Palacios €7 Million Annual Salary, Nearly Triple Inter Milan's Offer
According to renowned journalist Matteo Moretto, Chelsea has overtaken Inter Milan in the race to sign Atalanta wing-back Marco Palestra. Chelsea submitted a €60 million offer to Atalanta and offered the player a contract worth approximately €7 million per year including bonuses. In contrast, Inter Milan had agreed on a salary of €2.5-3 million annually with the player and made a €50 million bid to Atalanta. Inter has no intention of increasing their offer. The deal is nearly finalized, pending only the player's final decision.
虎扑 - 足球Chelsea Close to Signing Marco Palestra for €55 Million
Chelsea are nearing the completion of a transfer deal for Atalanta right wing-back Marco Palestra. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea is offering a fixed fee exceeding €50 million, with the total package worth over €55 million. Atalanta have agreed to the offer. The salary proposed to the Italian defender at Chelsea is significantly higher than what Inter Milan can offer. The deal now awaits only Palestra's personal approval, as Inter Milan is unable to match Chelsea's financial terms.
虎扑 - 足球Chelsea close in on £43m Marco Palestra as Xabi Alonso's first signing
Chelsea are set to sign Atalanta defender Marco Palestra for a fee exceeding £43 million, making him the first signing under new manager Xabi Alonso. The 21-year-old Italian international, who was named Serie A's best defender during a loan spell at Cagliari, had been expected to join Inter Milan but chose Chelsea after 24 hours of talks. Inter could not match Chelsea's offer on personal terms. Palestra is seen as an exciting option capable of playing as a wing-back or full-back on either flank. Alonso, appointed in May to replace Liam Rosenior, approved the move and will formally join on 1 July. Chelsea are also targeting a central defender, a midfielder (likely Strasbourg's Valentin Barco), and a versatile attacker. The club expects further departures after Marc Cucurella's move to Real Madrid, as they look to trim a squad that finished 10th in the Premier League last season.
BBC SportChelsea signs Atalanta defender Marco Palestra for £43 million
On June 24, 2024, Chelsea correspondent Nizaar Kinsella reported that Chelsea is set to sign Atalanta defender Marco Palestra for approximately £43 million. The move reportedly hijacked a competing offer from Inter Milan and has received approval from manager Xabi Alonso. Palestra is described as capable of playing both as a wing-back and full-back, and his salary fits within Chelsea's wage structure. The news was sourced from X (formerly Twitter) and reported by Hupu Soccer, a Chinese sports media outlet.
虎扑 - 足球Chelsea Transfer Deal for Atalanta's Marco Palestra Advancing Rapidly, Could Be Done in 24 Hours
Chelsea are reportedly close to securing a transfer deal for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, with respected journalist David Ornstein stating that negotiations are advancing at a rapid pace. According to Ornstein, an agreement between the clubs for the 21-year-old Italy international wing-back is expected within the next 24 hours. Palestra is said to be heavily leaning towards joining Chelsea and the project under manager Alonso, and his wage demands would fit the club's structure. The report was published by CaughtOffside on June 23, 2026, citing Ornstein's post on X. If completed, the move would bolster Chelsea's right-back options with a young, promising Italian defender.
CaughtOffside