Chelsea agree deal to sign Marco Palestra after hijacking Inter Milan move

Chelsea agree deal to sign Marco Palestra after hijacking Inter Milan move

class="wp-block-paragraph">Chelsea have agreed a deal with Atalanta to sign right-back Marco Palestra, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Inter Milan had been leading the race to sign Palestra before Chelsea swooped in to hijack the deal. The Blues are set to pay €55 million for the Italian defender, surpassing Inter’s €50m offer.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is said to have played a key role in securing the deal, with Palestra now set to become the first signing under the him.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Palestra enjoyed his breakthrough season on loan at Cagliari last term. He made 37 league appearances and registered five goal involvements, earning the Serie A Best Defender award.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Speaking about his qualities, Italian football writer James Horncastle told The Athletic:

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class="wp-block-paragraph">“Palestra was a revelation on loan from Atalanta at Cagliari this season. He is tall and well-built, but what stands out most is his speed.”

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class="wp-block-paragraph">He made his senior international debut for Italy in the World Cup play-offs semi-final against Northern Ireland in March.

Palestra’s signing shows Alonso’s plans

class="wp-block-paragraph">Palestra’s imminent arrival suggests that Alonso plans to return to a three-man defence at Chelsea.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">The 44-year-old used the system to great success at Bayer Leverkusen, where he won the Bundesliga title, although he opted for a back four at Real Madrid.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Palestra primarily featured as a right-wing back for Cagliari last season, which further explains Chelsea’s decision to sign him. The Italian is expected to be the first-choice right-wing back.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Captain Reece James’ injury history makes him unreliable for that role. The England international will likely feature as the right-sided centre-back.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Palestra’s signing could affect Malo Gusto’s future at Chelsea. The France international has already been linked with Manchester City.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Stats from transfermarkt.com