Chelsea close in on £43m deal for Atalanta defender Marco Palestra
Chelsea are on the verge of completing the £43m signing of Atalanta defender Marco Palestra after the Italian travelled to London for a medical.
The 21-year-old is expected to sign a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
This agreement includes an option to extend his stay in west London until June 2033.
The Premier League side moved swiftly to secure the youngster’s signature, hijacking a proposed deal from Inter Milan.
Financial package edges out Inter Milan
The Nerazzurri were considered clear frontrunners for the promising full-back.
However, the Serie A champions could not match a salary offer that aligns strictly with Chelsea’s heavily bonus-incentivised wage structure.
Stamford Bridge officials highly value the new arrival’s tactical versatility across the defensive line.
He is capable of operating as a right wing-back, a traditional right-back, and can even deputise on the left flank if required.
Competition for defensive spots
The incoming defender’s arrival will provide direct competition for club captain Reece James and Malo Gusto.
Speculation is mounting over Gusto’s long-term future, with the club reportedly open to letting him depart this summer.
A £75m valuation has been placed on the 21-year-old right-back, drawing admiration from several domestic rivals including Manchester City.
Any potential departure for the Frenchman will be delayed until the conclusion of his ongoing World Cup campaign.
The former Lyon defender recently made his first tournament appearance for Les Bleus, replacing Jules Kounde as a late substitute in a weather-affected victory over Iraq.
