According to Sky Sport Italia, Chelsea has entered the competition to acquire Marco Palestra, initiating early discussions with the player’s agent.
Sky Sport Italia reports that Chelsea is among several clubs interested in the Atalanta-owned right-back Palestra.
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Palestra spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Cagliari, emerging as one of the most promising defenders in Serie A and garnering interest from other elite clubs like Inter and Manchester City.
Chelsea Initiates Talks with Palestra
Milan, Italy – April 17: Marco Palestra of Cagliari Calcio competes during the Serie A match against FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Reports suggest that Atalanta demands a fee exceeding €50 million for Palestra. Sky indicates Chelsea has reached out to the defender’s agent, Alessandro Lucci, who also represents Arsenal player Riccardo Calafiori.
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Palestra has expressed a preference to stay in Serie A, indicating his intent to wait for Inter and Atalanta to settle on a transfer fee.
He made his senior debut for Italy in March 2026 and currently has two international caps.
While Atalanta is open to selling him, Inter has yet to finalize an agreement with the club.