Chelsea announce £43million deal with the help of Jason Cundy to kickstart summer transfer window

Chelsea have completed the £43million signing of Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra.

The Italy international has signed a six-year deal at Stamford Bridge and marks the first signing of the Xabi Alonso era.

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The Spaniard officially starts his role as Chelsea boss on July 1 and will have the defender among his ranks for pre-season.

Serie A champions Inter were initially the frontrunners to sign the 21-year-old before Chelsea hijacked the deal.

The versatile star will compete for his spot on the right flank alongside Reece James and Malo Gusto.

And our very own Jason Cundy helped to announce the deal on Chelsea’s social media channels…

Who is Marco Palestra?

Palestra, an Atalanta academy graduate, made his first-team debut in August 2024 but struggled for additional game time in his breakout campaign.

In search of minutes, he secured a loan switch to Serie A rivals Cagliari and went on to make 37 appearances for the Sardinian club.

Palestra is a right-back by trade but has the ability to operate in more advanced positions.

That is something that could prove pivotal for Alonso next season as Chelsea push for a return to European football.

Palestra’s standout performances last term saw him recognised in Serie A’s Team of the Season.

And if that wasn’t enough, he was also named as the league’s best defender.

Palestra picked up his first two senior international caps in March as a reward for his superb season at club level.

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He made his debut in the World Cup play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which saw Italy miss out on the World Cup for the third consecutive tournament.

A busy summer ahead

Palestra’s signing could spark a bustling summer of incomings and outgoings at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have shown an interest in Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix.

Alonso has outlined the need to draft in a new centre-back this summer.

The Frenchman could replace Trevoh Chalobah who is wanted by Serie A side Como.

Elsewhere, Gusto has been linked with a reunion with former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca at Manchester City.

Chelsea are understood to have slapped a £75m price-tag on the former Lyon man although they are not actively looking to sell him.