Chelsea close in on £43m transfer for Atalanta defender Marco Palestra
Chelsea are close to finalising a £43m deal for Atalanta defender Marco Palestra, marking the first major signing of the Xabi Alonso era at Stamford Bridge.
The 21-year-old Italy international has emerged as the west London club’s primary target following a hugely successful loan spell at Cagliari last season.
Inter Milan beaten to signature
During that stint, the versatile prospect was named Serie A’s best defender, attracting heavy interest from reigning Italian champions Inter Milan.
However, intensive talks over the past 24 hours have positioned the Premier League side as his preferred destination.
Sources in Italy indicate that Inter were simply unable to match the lucrative personal terms offered by the Blues.
Alonso begins Stamford Bridge rebuild
The £43m acquisition serves as a strong early indicator of the new manager’s substantial influence over recruitment policy.
Having replaced Liam Rosenior in May with the title of manager rather than head coach, the former Spain midfielder directly approved this crucial swoop.
Although the highly-rated tactician officially begins his role on 1 July, he has maintained regular contact with the club hierarchy regarding comprehensive squad changes.
The promising Italian is valued highly for his ability to operate effectively on either flank, offering tactical flexibility as both a conventional full-back and a progressive wing-back.
Overhauling a struggling squad
This defensive reinforcement comes at a critical time after a turbulent campaign where Chelsea slumped to a 10th-place league finish and missed out on European qualification completely.
Squad trimming has already begun in earnest, highlighted by Marc Cucurella’s recent high-profile departure to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
The Stamford Bridge outfit are still actively pursuing at least one central defender and a central midfielder, with an agreement for Strasbourg’s Valentin Barco reportedly imminent.
A versatile attacker also remains on the recruitment list to complement a string of previously secured arrivals.
Sporting winger Geovany Quenda and Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha are both scheduled to officially arrive in west London this summer following deals completed last year.
