Reported deal nearing completion

Chelsea are reportedly close to completing a deal for Atalanta defender Marco Palestra, as the club move to strengthen their squad before Xabi Alonso formally begins work as manager.

According to West London Sport’s report on Chelsea’s move for Palestra, the Blues are expected to finalise the signing of the 21-year-old within 24 hours.

The deal has not yet been announced by Chelsea, so it should still be treated as a reported agreement rather than a completed transfer.

Palestra is primarily a right-back or right wing-back, but he can also operate on the opposite flank. That versatility is likely to appeal to Alonso, whose teams have often relied on width, energy and technical quality from their wide defenders.

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Alonso’s first major move

Chelsea confirmed Alonso’s appointment in May, with the Spaniard due to begin his role on July 1 after agreeing a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

As confirmed by Chelsea’s official announcement, Alonso arrives after spells with Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid, and the club believe his coaching style can shape the next phase of the team.

If completed, Palestra would be the first significant new signing of that project. The move would also fit Chelsea’s recent transfer strategy: buying young players with high resale value and the potential to develop into first-team regulars.

Palestra’s rise in Serie A

Palestra’s reputation has grown quickly after a breakthrough season on loan at Cagliari.

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According to the Italian Football Federation’s profile of Palestra, the Atalanta defender was named Serie A’s Best Defender and also finished the season as the league’s fastest player, recording an average top speed of 27.96 km/h.

He also made his senior Italy debut during the season, completing a sharp rise from promising academy player to full international.

That combination of pace, confidence and attacking intent has made him one of the more interesting young defenders in Europe.

Inter beaten to the move

Chelsea’s pursuit is also notable because Inter Milan had been strongly linked with Palestra.

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As described by Lega Serie A’s feature on Palestra’s development, he was one of the standout defenders of the 2025/26 Serie A season, combining defensive work with attacking output from wide areas.

For Chelsea, beating an Italian giant to one of Serie A’s most highly rated young defenders would be an early statement under Alonso.

Palestra is not yet a finished product, and moving from Cagliari to Stamford Bridge would be a major step. But his profile is clear: young, quick, versatile and already tested in a demanding league.

If Chelsea complete the deal, he could become one of the first building blocks in Alonso’s new-look side.

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