Chelsea are reportedly close to signing Atalanta defender Marcos Palestra, aiming to hijack Inter Milan's pursuit of the 21-year-old Italian international. The versatile full-back and wing-back, who spent last season on loan at Cagliari, was named Serie A defender of the year in the end-of-campaign awards. His acquisition would mark the first signing of the summer for the London club under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Inter Milan had been working to finalize a deal, offering approximately £38 million plus £4.3 million in add-ons. However, Chelsea is understood to be willing to offer more than £48 million and has also presented the player with better personal terms. Palestra is reportedly willing to accept the challenge of moving to the Premier League. The club expects to complete the deal within the next 24 hours.
Palestra made 37 appearances during his loan spell at Cagliari. He made his international debut for Italy this year and has been a target for other Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, though competition for his signature was known to be fierce. Chelsea has already made arrangements for other players arriving on pre-agreements this summer, including Emmanuel Emegha from Strasbourg, Geovany Quenda from Sporting Lisbon, and Dastan Satpayev from Kairat.
This potential signing comes after Chelsea sold defender Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid for a package worth £51.8 million. Xabi Alonso is set to officially begin his duties as Chelsea manager on July 1.