Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign Marco Palestra from Atalanta.
The 21-year-old will become Xabi Alonso's first signing after the Blues agreed a deal worth £47 million.
Palestra spent last season on loan at Cagliari and developed into one of Europe's most exciting wing-backs. The young defender started in 34 Serie A matches and directly contributed to five goals including scoring one of his own.
And off the back of a great campaign, the Blues have moved quickly to sign him with Alonso playing a key part in getting a deal across the line.
Xabi Alonso key to Marco Palestra deal
Despite Alonso not officially taking charge until July 1, according to Fabrizio Romano, the 44-year-old was 'directly involved' in Palestra's decision to join Chelsea over all other interested clubs.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Also, Xabi Alonso got involved in this deal. Xabi Alonso had a direct conversation with Marco Palestra. That’s what sources close to the player are saying, and so for Xabi, is for sure a very interesting addition.
"He was used to play and trust this kind of talents when he was at Bayer Leverkusen. Well, now, he will have the same opportunity at Chelsea.”
It is believed Inter Milan were also trying to sign Palestra but it's reasonable to assume that Alonso's talks with the 21-year-old were enough to convince him to make the move to Stamford Bridge.
Palestra deal could lead to another exit
Given the fact Palestra plays at right-wing back, and Chelsea already have two first team players in this position — Reece James and Malo Gusto — it wouldn't be surprising to see one of them move on.
Of course, this wouldn't be James. The Chelsea captain has not only just signed a new contract, but he's virtually untouchable at Stamford Bridge. Then there's Gusto.
Gusto is currently away with France at the 2026 World Cup after being included in Didier Deschamps' 26-man squad, but with Manchester City lurking, it could be that he's already played his last game in west London.
It seems unlikely that Palestra would pick Chelsea over Inter Milan if assurances over game time and his squad status weren't already made.
While the youngster would accept being second choice to James, there is no way he'd settle to be third — also behind Gusto — in Alonso's picking order.
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