Chelsea are considering a move for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, with Inter facing fresh competition in their push to land the 21-year-old. The Italy international has emerged as a live defensive option for Xabi Alonso’s squad planning, with The Guardian reporting that Chelsea and another Premier League club are now in the race.
Inter have been pushing to complete a £38.8million deal for Palestra, who spent last season on loan at Cagliari and has already made two senior appearances for Italy. Chelsea’s involvement changes the shape of the chase, particularly because Alonso is assessing a back line that could still move significantly before the new campaign.
Why Palestra Fits Alonso’s Defensive Reset
Right-back is no longer a settled area at Stamford Bridge. Reece James remains the captain and Malo Gusto has been a regular part of the squad, but the report claims both could be moved on as Chelsea weigh up how to reshape the group for Alonso.
Palestra would be a younger, specialist option on the right, while Chelsea are also looking across the centre-back market. Maxence Lacroix is high on the club’s list, Jacobo Ramón is another name being considered, and extra left-back depth is needed after Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid.
The immediate takeaway is that Chelsea’s transfer work is turning sharply towards defensive structure. Palestra may still have Inter in front, but Chelsea’s interest gives Alonso another route to rebuild the back four around pace, youth and resale value.
