Chelsea have agreed a fee to sign Marco Palestra from Atalanta, and he will become the first signing of the Xabi Alonso era.
The Blues hijacked the signing from under Inter Milan’s noses, with it said that Alonso played a key role in the club pushing forward with their interest.
The transfer was another example of Chelsea moving with speed and secrecy in this transfer window, after the sale of Marc Cucurella seemed to come out of nowhere.
RATE 1️⃣-🔟: Is Marco Palestra a good signing?
Serie A's Best Defender of 2025-26.
Who is Chelsea’s new signing Marco Palestra?
But who is Chelsea’s new signing? The Chelsea Chronicle have broken down everything you need to know about the 21-year-old before he joins the club.
Palestra is a defender who has featured as a full-back on both sides of the pitch, although has featured more on the right during his time in Serie A.
It remains to be seen whether this signals the end of Malo Gusto’s time at the club, with Manchester City interested in signing the French international.
It may also suggest Alonso is ready to roll out a back three at Stamford Bridge, with Palestra more than experienced in a wing-back role too.
He was named the Serie A defender of the year during the 2025/26 campaign, playing 37 games for Cagliari while on loan from Atalanta.
Palestra stands at 6’2 and is right-footed, although extremely capable with his weak foot, helping his ability to play on both sides of defence.
How many points are Chelsea taking out of a possible 1️⃣2️⃣?
He scored one goal and assisted another four, however created 32 chances throughout the league campaign, eight more than Cole Palmer managed himself.
The Italian also seems far stronger in duels than many who were at Chelsea last season. He won 248 duels at a success rate of 60%, while Cucurella managed just 120 at a rate of 52%.
Palestra will be paid around £115k-per-week, double the amount wonderkid Estevao Willian is earning in West London.
The biggest green flag from Chelsea regarding this signing is the fact it has been widely reported that this signing has come with the approval of Alonso, who seems more involved with transfers than the likes of Enzo Maresca were.
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