Fabrizio Romano reports that Chelsea are set to pay Atalanta over €55 million for Marco Palestra. The renowned transfer expert suggests the deal is nearly finalized, pending a few final details from the player, who played over 30 league matches while on loan at Cagliari last season.
Inter Milan appeared to be on the verge of signing the Italy international, having proposed personal terms believed to be around €2.5 million annually, according to Football Italia. Atalanta, Palestra’s home club, was willing to accept Inter’s €45 million offer, plus €5 million in bonuses, while the two clubs were working out the structure of the add-ons.
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Nevertheless, Chelsea made a last-minute move under the direction of Xabi Alonso, who is eager to incorporate the young talent into his team, according to the report. Fabrizio Romano disclosed that Chelsea’s proposal included €55 million with €5 million in add-ons. BlueCo also effectively doubled the player’s salary, offering between €5 and €6 million annually on a five-year contract.
This comprehensive package outmatched Inter, leaving them unable to compete with Chelsea’s financial prowess. The 21-year-old defender from Buccinasco, a product of the Atalanta academy and a Europa League winner in 2024, has thrived during his loan in Sardinia. This season, he has made 37 Serie A appearances for Cagliari, netting one goal and providing four assists.
Danny Murphy questions Chelsea’s recruitment philosophy
The acquisition of Palestra aligns with Chelsea’s ongoing strategy of signing young players, a tactic that has faced criticism in recent years. One of the most outspoken critics of the Blues’ strategy under BlueCo ownership has been Danny Murphy, a former Liverpool midfielder.
In April, he told talkSPORT that the club’s focus on young, unproven talent hampers their ability to compete at the highest levels (via @Blue_Footy):
“The reality is you’re not going to get Chelsea up competing to win leagues and Champions Leagues with their philosophy. It’s not going to happen. So they either change that or they get what they get.”
However, there is an opposing view. Palestra’s playing style is well-suited to Alonso’s system as a wing-back. Additionally, Xabi Alonso’s role as a manager rather than a head coach suggests he may have greater influence over transfers and team composition. This summer, the Blues might be preparing to adjust their recruitment policy.
They clearly need experienced reinforcements after being eliminated from the UEFA Champions League following an 8-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain. Their Premier League performance also suffered, resulting in a 10th-place finish and the dismissal of two permanent head coaches.
Edited by Nnanna Mba
