Marco Palestra signs for Chelsea from Atalanta as Alonso begins rebuilding

Chelsea completed the signing of Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra for a fee of around £47 million, including add-ons, making him their first signing since Xabi Alonso’s appointment as manager.

The 21-year-old has signed a six-year contract, with an option for a further year, after Chelsea beat Inter Milan in the race for the defender. Palestra was on the verge of returning to his boyhood club but Chelsea improved Inter’s £43 million bid and, according to reports in Italy, also presented a stronger pay package.

“Many things convinced me to join Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world,” said Palestra.

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«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’s move marks a sharp rise for a player who played for Atalanta’s under-23 side in Italy’s third tier three years ago.

He made his senior Atalanta debut in the Europa League in December 2023 before a loan spell at Cagliari last season accelerated his progress.

At Cagliari, Palestra was named Serie A Defender of the Year and earned his senior Italy debut in the World Cup play-offs. His attacking performance in defense also stood out. Opta data listed him as one of the best dribbling defenders in Europe’s top leagues last season.

Chelsea are now expected to focus on reinforcements at the back, with Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix a target. The club have also rejected a bid from Sunderland for Granit Xhaka, who played under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen.

Published on July 1, 2026