Chelsea has officially signed 21-year-old defender Marco Palestra from Atalanta.
Palestra has joined on a seven-year contract lasting until 2033, with a transfer fee that could rise to £47 million ($62 million) including add-ons.
Last season, Palestra was on loan at Cagliari, where he made 37 appearances in Serie A, scoring once and providing four assists during the 2025-26 season. He was also awarded Serie A Defender of the Season.
The Italian international, capable of playing as a right-back or wing-back, has been signed to fit into new manager Xabi Alonso’s preferred 3-5-2 formation, designed to stretch opposing defenses.
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“Many factors led me to choose Chelsea, one of the world’s top clubs,” Palestra said on the club’s website. “I’m thrilled to begin this new chapter. From the moment Chelsea expressed interest, I felt the excitement. I can’t wait to meet the fans, my teammates, and the manager.”
“We have a talented roster and a strong manager in Xabi. He has shared his vision for how we will play, and it’s very exciting to begin competing in the Premier League.”
Report contributed by ESPN’s James Olley.