Chelsea have strengthened their squad with the signing of Italian defender Marco Palestra from Atalanta in a deal worth up to £47 million ($62 million), including add-ons.
The 21-year-old has agreed a seven-year contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2033, becoming one of the latest additions to new manager Xabi Alonso’s rebuilding project.
Palestra arrives after an impressive loan spell with Cagliari during the 2025-26 Serie A season.
The versatile defender featured in 37 league matches, scoring once and registering four assists, performances that earned him the Serie A Defender of the Season award.
Capable of operating as either a right-back or wing-back, the Italy international is expected to fit seamlessly into Alonso’s preferred 3-5-2 formation, where attacking width from the flanks plays a key role.
Speaking after completing the move, Palestra expressed his excitement about joining the Premier League club.
“A lot of things convinced me to join Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world,” Palestra said on the club website. “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.”
