Chelsea have begun their summer transfer business and are putting the feelers out for a new defender.
The Blues are likely to be one of the Premier League's busiest clubs over the coming months with Xabi Alonso, who will take charge from July 1, expected to welcome multiple new additions.
Interestingly, despite a new midfielder and a striker being the priority, according to recent reports circulating in Italy, the Blues have opened talks for a new right-back.
Chelsea open talks to sign Atalanta's Marco Palestra
According to Sky Sports Italia, Chelsea have made contact with the agent of Atalanta's Marco Palestra.
The 21-year-old spent last season on loan with Cagliari, starting 34 Serie A matches and becoming a key player in Fabio Pisacan's plans.
However, set to return his parent club, Atalanta, Palestra — thanks to his impressive form — has found himself at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war.
With three years still left on his deal, Atalanta are in a great position financially. It's been noted the Italian club are demanding at least £43 million in exchange for Palestra.
Should Chelsea end up meeting Atalanta's demands, the young right-back would go straight into the club's top four record transfers, surpassed only by Teun Koopmeiners' £44.4 million sale to Juventus, Mateo Retegui's £56 million sale to Al-Qadsiah, and of course, Rasmus Hojlund's £64 million sale to Manchester United.
Questions raised over why Chelsea are targeting new right-back
There is no doubting Palestra's potential. He looks a real talent, but right-back is the one position Chelsea don't need to add to this summer.
Reece James — the team's captain — recently signed a contract extension and Malo Gusto — included in France's 2026 World Cup squad — is a more than capable back up option.
And with the Blues failing to qualify for European football next season after finishing 10th in the table, finances must be managed. Splashing such a significant fee on a position that isn't even that high on the list would be a very strange decision.
It could also transpire that even if Chelsea were to offer what Atalanta what they want, the player himself doesn't make the move to Stamford Bridge. And that's because his preference is to stay in Italy and hopes to join Inter Milan instead.
Since being promoted to Atalanta's first team in 2024, Palestra has made 16 senior appearances in all competitions. He was part of the squad that lifed the 2023-24 UEFA Europa League.
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