Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign Atalanta defender Marco Palestra for a fee in excess of £43m, making him Xabi Alonso’s first signing as manager.
The 21-year-old had been widely expected to join Italian champions Inter Milan after a highly impressive loan spell at Cagliari last season.
Palestra was named Serie A’s best defender during that stint, cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting young defensive talents.
However, after 24 hours of intensive talks, Chelsea have emerged as the player’s preferred destination, with sources in Italy claiming Inter could not match the Premier League club’s offer on personal terms.
Palestra made his international debut for Italy this year and is viewed at Stamford Bridge as a versatile option capable of operating on either flank, both as a wing-back and a more conventional full-back.
The move also serves as an early indication of Alonso’s growing influence at Chelsea since his appointment as manager rather than head coach.
Alonso is understood to have approved the transfer, marking the first major signing completed since he was named Liam Rosenior’s replacement in May.
The former Spain midfielder is set to formally join the club on 1 July but has already been in regular contact with the Chelsea hierarchy over incoming and outgoing transfers.
Chelsea are also targeting at least one central defender and a midfielder, with multiple sources suggesting a deal for Strasbourg’s Valentin Barco is close to completion.
A further versatile attacker is also on the club’s summer shopping list as Alonso looks to reshape the squad ahead of his first full season in charge.
Several players are also due to arrive at Stamford Bridge this summer in deals finalised last year, including £40m winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting and Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha.
Further departures are expected following Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid, as Chelsea seek to trim a bloated squad after finishing 10th in the Premier League and failing to qualify for European football.
