Chelsea close in on Palestra as Alonso's first signing
<li>Published23 June 2026</li>
<p><a href="/sport/football/teams/chelsea" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chelsea</a> are set to make Atalanta defender Marco Palestra the first signing for new boss Xabi Alonso for a fee in excess of £43m.</p>
<p>Palestra had been expected to join Italian champions Inter Milan following a successful loan spell at Cagliari last season, where he was named Serie A's best defender.</p>
<p>However, after 24 hours of talks, the Premier League club have emerged as the 21-year-old's preferred destination as sources in Italy claim Inter could not match <a href="/sport/football/teams/chelsea" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chelsea</a>'s offer on personal terms.</p>
<p>Palestra, who made his international debut for Italy this year, is viewed at Stamford Bridge as an exciting option capable of playing on either flank, both as a wing-back and more conventional full-back.</p>
<p>It is also an early sign of new manager Alonso's influence.</p>
<p>Having been appointed as manager rather than head coach, he is understood to have approved the move - the first major signing made by the club since the former Spain midfielder was <a href="/sport/football/articles/ckgpklg078go" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">named Liam Rosenior's replacement in May.</a></p>
<p>Alonso is set to formally join <a href="/sport/football/teams/chelsea" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chelsea</a> on 1 July, but has been in regular contact with the club hierarchy regarding incoming and outgoing transfers.</p>
<p><a href="/sport/football/teams/chelsea" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chelsea</a> are also targeting at least one central defender, as well as a midfielder - likely to be Strasbourg's Valentin Barco - with multiple sources suggesting that deal is close. A further versatile attacker is also on the list.</p>
