Chelsea finalized the signing of defender Marco Palestra from Atalanta for £47 million on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
The transfer marks the first acquisition under new manager Xabi Alonso.
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The 21-year-old Italy international signed a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
According to talkSPORT, Chelsea intercepted the transfer after Serie A champions Inter Milan initially led the race for his signature.
Palestra spent last season on loan at Cagliari, where he made 37 appearances. As reported by chelseafc.
com, he earned the Serie A Defender of the Year award and the league's Speed Award, clocking a top speed of 27.96 km/h.
Versatile Defender with Impressive Stats
The defender completed 81 successful dribbles last season, leading all European defenders across the top five leagues.
Originally a central midfielder, Palestra transitioned into a versatile full-back capable of operating on either flank.
The acquisition coincides with Xabi Alonso officially starting his managerial duties at Stamford Bridge on July 1, 2026.
Alonso replaced Liam Rosenior in May after previously managing Bayer Leverkusen.
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Chelsea remains active in the transfer market to reconstruct the squad following a tenth-place Premier League finish. Football.
london reported that the club is targeting Crystal Palace center-back Maxence Lacroix and Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria.
According to sports. yahoo.
com, Chelsea opened talks for Chavarria under Alonso's direct guidance. Concurrently, Sunderland rejected an £8 million bid from the Blues for 33-year-old midfielder Granit Xhaka.
Squad adjustments may cause several notable player departures. Football.
london stated that Manchester City is interested in Malo Gusto, valued by Chelsea at £75 million, while Real Madrid tracks midfielder Enzo Fernandez, valued at £120 million.
Additionally, Como is pursuing defender Trevoh Chalobah, who carries a £35 million valuation.
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Everton is also negotiating a permanent deal for 20-year-old winger Tyrique George following his recent loan spell.
