Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra for a fee of around £47m, with add-ons, Yankee Scores reports.
The 21-year-old, who has signed a six-year contract with the option of another year, is the first new face since Xabi Alonso took charge as manager.
Our newest addition has arrived. 👋 pic.twitter.com/46fw9snyWq
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 1, 2026
Chelsea Beat Inter to Palestra’s Signing
Palestra was the subject of an agreement to return to boyhood club Inter Milan, but Chelsea moved swiftly to outbid their £43m offer and, according to sources in Italy, offered a more substantial wage package.
“A lot of things convinced me to join Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world,” Palestra 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 was voted defender of the year in Serie A after spending the last season on loan at Cagliari.
Chelsea Search For More Reinforcements
Chelsea are now looking for a centre-back with Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix the likely No 1 target, while a deal for Rayo Vallecano full-back Pep Chavarria is also being discussed.
Chelsea have had an £8m bid for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, who played under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, rejected.
Striker Emmanuel Emegha is also understood to be closing in on a move from Strasbourg, while winger Geovany Quenda is also expected to join from Sporting. Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco is also expected to join.
The Blues are weighing up a bid for a central midfielder and a versatile forward but much will depend on sales of players after they finished 10th in the Premier League last season and failed to qualify for Europe.
Real Madrid are chasing midfield star Enzo Fernandez, who is desperate to leave, while Serie A side Como have held talks over Trevoh Chalobah.
There is also uncertainty over the futures of a number of players including Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto and Tosin Adarabioyo.
