Chelsea completed the signing of right-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta for a fee reportedly around £47 million, including add-ons, on July 1, 2026 [1, 2]. The 21-year-old Italian international agreed to a six-year contract running until 2033, with an option for a further year [3, 1, 2].
Palestra spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Cagliari, where he made 37 Serie A appearances, contributed five goal involvements, and won the Serie A Best Defender award [3, 1, 2]. He made his senior international debut for Italy in March 2026 during the World Cup play-offs semi-final against Northern Ireland [1, 2]. Chelsea’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, views Palestra as his first signing since taking charge [3, 1, 2].
Before joining Chelsea, Palestra was close to signing for Inter Milan, but Chelsea matched and surpassed Inter's £43 million offer with a higher transfer fee and wage package, securing the deal [3]. Reflecting his excitement, Palestra said, "I’m very excited to get started. I’ve felt the energy since the first day Chelsea wanted me. I can’t wait to start, see all the fans, my teammates and the manager. 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" [1].
Chelsea are now prioritizing a centre-back signing, targeting Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix and potentially Rayo Vallecano’s Pep Chavarria [3]. The club has also agreed deals for striker Emmanuel Emegha from Strasbourg and winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting, with Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco expected to join [3].
Palestra made his senior debut for Atalanta in December 2023 in the Europa League [3]. The club officially announced his transfer on July 1, 2026 [1, 2].
