Chelsea have completed the signing of Italy defender Marco Palestra from Atalanta on a seven-year contract, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old’s transfer fee was not officially disclosed, but British media reports suggest the deal is worth £43 million ($57 million), potentially rising to £47 million with add-ons.
Palestra becomes the first signing under new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who officially began his tenure at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. The club are looking to rebuild after a disappointing 10th-place finish in the Premier League last season.
Reports in Italy indicated that Palestra had been close to joining Inter Milan before Chelsea made a decisive move to secure his signature.
“A lot of things convinced me to join Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world,” Palestra said on the club’s 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 meet the fans, my teammates and the manager.”
He added: “We have so many talented players here, a very strong squad and a top manager in Xabi. He has explained how he wants us to play, which is exciting, and we are ready to compete in the Premier League.”
Palestra enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 season on loan at Cagliari, where he played primarily as a full-back and wing-back. He was also named Serie A Defender of the Year for the campaign.
The defender made his senior debut for Italy during their unsuccessful World Cup qualifying play-offs.
Alonso is expected to oversee a significant defensive rebuild following Chelsea’s struggles at the back last season. Marc Cucurella has already departed for Real Madrid, while the club are reportedly considering a move for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix.
AFP
