It looks as if Chelsea are about to confirm their first signing of the Xabi Alonso era in Atalanta defender Marco Palestra, and they are pushing ahead to sign a second, too.
After Chelsea’s initial interest in Palestra, Inter Milan were expected to complete a deal for the two-time Italy international. However, Chelsea hijacked Inter’s move and agreed a £43m fee for Palestra.
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Serie A's Best Defender of 2025-26.
Italian reporter Marco Barzaghi reports that Chelsea blitzed Inter’s offer both in terms of fee and wages on offer. It was deemed “unbeatable” with Palestra now set to sign a whopping seven-year contract.
But Chelsea are not going to stop there. Ahead of Alonso’s new era as manager, Chelsea also want to sign a long-term partner for Levi Colwill, and Jose Mourinho might be able to do his club a big favour.
Jose Mourinho decision key in Chelsea’s pursuit of Jacobo Ramon
Back in January, Chelsea targeted three central defenders. Jeremy Jacquet has joined Liverpool, while Marcos Senesi has signed for Tottenham on a free. The one that remains is Spanish ace, Jacobo Ramon.
Described as “devastating” by Cesc Fabregas, Ramon could be available for a transfer this summer after a sparkling campaign with Como. But there is an issue, and it is Real Madrid’s bargain buyback clause.
It had been expected that Madrid would re-sign Ramon, having sold him to Como last summer for a tiny £3m. Madrid can re-sign Ramon for just £7m this summer, but obviously, he is worth a whole lot more.
However, with Antonio Rudiger signing a new one-year deal and Mourinho returning to the Bernabeu, it is unclear if Madrid want to re-sign Ramon. TeamTalk say Madrid and Como are set to meet this week.
A decision will be reached on what will happen with Ramon, and if he is to remain at Como or return to Madrid. The report says Chelsea are ‘eagerly awaiting’ the outcome of the meeting ahead of a move.
Of course, if he returns to Madrid then he instantly becomes unavailable. But if Madrid and Como decide he will stay with the Serie A side, Chelsea hope they can convince Ramon to move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea will have to get rid of five centre-backs at least
When Alonso welcomes his players back to pre-season, he will have 10 senior options at centre-back. Calum McFarlane underlined the issue when explaining Mamadou Sarr and Benoit Badiashile’s absences.
Axel Disasi and Aaron Anselmino will return from loans, while Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana’s futures also remain uncertain. Levi Colwill and Josh Acheampong are ‘untouchables’.
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Then there is Jorrel Hato, who has starred at centre-back but for now, remains the club’s only senior option at left-back. Hato, Colwill, and Acheampong will almost certainly be in a blue shirt next term.
The club are expected to make a new signing, taking Chelsea’s total of four before working out what to do with Badiashile, Chalobah, Tosin, Fofana, Sarr, Disasi, and Anselmino. At least five will have to go.
Chelsea are planning to take a look at Anselmino, but a loan is likely. The same goes for Sarr, while permanent exits could materialise for Disasi, Chalobah, Tosin, Fofana, and Badiashile are very possible.
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