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Chelsea sign Atalanta defender Palestra
Chelsea have completed the signing of Atalanta defender Marco Palestra on a seven-year deal.
The 21-year-old, who has two international caps for Italy, moves to Stamford Bridge for a fee understood by the Press Association to be £47 million ($62 million), including add-ons.
He becomes the first signing since the appointment of new manager Xabi Alonso, who formally started work on Wednesday, as the process of remodelling the squad gathers pace following last season’s disappointing 10th-placed finish in the Premier League.
Reports in Italy suggested that the player was on the verge of joining Inter Milan before Chelsea swept in with a stronger offer and a more attractive wage deal.
Palestra told the club’s website: “A lot of things convinced me to join Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world.
“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.”
Palestra made his senior debut for Atalanta in December 2023 before impressing on loan at Cagliari last season where he was named Serie A’s defender of the season.
He made his international debut during Italy’s unsuccessful World Cup qualifying play-offs.
Alonso looks set to have a much changed defence to work with following the debacle of last season. Marc Cucurella has already departed for Real Madrid while PA understands the club are considering making a bid for Crystal Palace centre back Maxence Lacroix to add to Palestra’s signing.
Full-back Malo Gusto, currently playing alongside Lacroix for France at the World Cup, looks set to depart with Manchester City among the clubs showing interest.
An bid for Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka has been rejected, with the club looking to offset the possible departure of Enzo Fernandez, who informed the hierarchy in May that he wants to leave. Chelsea will listen to offers for the Argentina international.
