Chelsea have signed Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra for a fee of about £47m, including add-ons. The 21-year-old has signed a six-year deal with the option of a further year.
Palestra spent last season on loan at Cagliari and was named Serie A's defender of the year. He made his debut for Italy in the World Cup play-off match against Northern Ireland.
The transfer marks a rapid rise for Palestra, who has progressed from Italy's third tier with Atalanta's under-23 side to Chelsea in the space of three years. He expressed his excitement about joining one of the best clubs in the world.
Palestra M. — Cagliari, Serie A 2025/2026: 27 apps · ⚽ 1 · 🅰 4 · 🟨 3