Chelsea have reportedly won the race to sign highly rated Italian full-back Marco Palestra after dramatically hijacking Inter Milan’s move for the Atalanta youngster in one of the boldest transfer twists of the summer window.
🚨⚫️🔵 Inter are set to advance for Marco Palestra with clear plan to seal details with Atalanta.
€50m package discussed with sell-on clause and add-ons value as final details. pic.twitter.com/iWbgmKOfaI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 23, 2026
Inter had appeared to be on the verge of completing the deal, having spent weeks in advanced talks with Atalanta and seemingly secured the player’s approval.
Welcome to Chelsea Marco Palestra. pic.twitter.com/7We54jUGdf
— 🇦🇷 (@BarcoEra) June 23, 2026
The Serie A giants were prepared to invest heavily in the 21-year-old, viewing him as a long-term replacement for Denzel Dumfries following the Dutchman’s move to Real Madrid.
A package worth €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons was believed to be close to completion, with an official announcement expected soon.
🚨 🇮🇹 BREAKING: Xabi Alonso made a call today behind the scenes directly to Palestra, he told Palestra how he can fit into his new Chelsea project. (@FabrizioRomano) pic.twitter.com/op1GqeZeXt
— Pys (@CFCPys) June 23, 2026
However, Chelsea stepped in late and completely changed the direction of the deal. According to reports, the Premier League club offered Atalanta an improved package worth €55 million, in addition to a future sell-on clause, making the proposal significantly more attractive.
Chelsea also reportedly blew Inter away on personal terms, offering Palestra a salary of around €6 million per year, more than double the wages he was set to earn in Italy.
🚨🔵 BREAKING: Marco Palestra to Chelsea, here we go! Verbal agreement in place between all parties.
Atalanta to receive package over €55m fee plus sell-on clause, long term deal to Italian talented RWB.
Chelsea hijack Inter move and get new talent for Xabi Alonso. pic.twitter.com/W3ktXVK6EV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 24, 2026
The move is seen as an early sign of intent from new head coach Xabi Alonso, who is expected to officially begin his role on July 1.
After a disappointing domestic campaign that saw Chelsea finish 10th and miss out on European qualification, the club appears determined to rebuild aggressively.
Palestra’s arrival would represent both a major investment in youth and a statement that Chelsea intend to compete decisively in the market again.
Follow the latest news on Google News
