Chelsea targets Serie A duo for full-back at Xabi Alonso's…
Chelsea pursue Serie A youngster for full-back at Xabi Alonso's request
With Xabi Alonso in charge, Chelsea are looking for a right-back and are targeting Brazilian Wesley, from Roma, and Italian Marco Palestra, from Atalanta. The dispute for Palestra already exceeds 50 million euros and involves Inter Milan.
The first major market decision of the Xabi era at focuses on a chronic problem in the squad: the right back. With Xabi Alonso now in charge, the London club is actively looking to reinforce the position, and the Spaniard's name is no coincidence. Alonso, a former elite player with a successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen, knows the value of a modern full-back — fast, technical and with the ability to support the attack.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the coach identified Brazilian Wesley, from Roma, and Italian Marco Palestra, from Atalanta, as priority targets. Roma, however, consider Wesley non-transferable, which focuses the Blues' efforts on Palestra. The London club has already made an initial offer that could exceed 50 million euros, but Atalanta is not giving in easily: competition from Inter Milan, which is also monitoring the player, increases the value of the dispute and could force the Bergamascos to ask for more.
The signing of a quality right-back is a key piece for Xabi Alonso's project at Chelsea, and the competition for a young talent like Marco Palestra shows the club's intention to invest heavily to rebuild the squad. The search for a right-back is not only a tactical issue, but also a financial necessity: the market for full-backs in Serie A has increased in value in recent years, with players such as Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Federico Dimarco reaching values above 60 million euros in recent negotiations. This leaves Chelsea faced with a dilemma: pay an inflated price or take a chance with lesser-rated options.
Furthermore, Serie A has become a breeding ground for young, technically qualified full-backs, which attracts English clubs looking for specific profiles. Atalanta, in particular, has excelled in developing players with an offensive profile, such as Palestra, who can play both as a winger and as a midfielder. This versatility is an additional attraction for Chelsea, as they seek to reinforce the sector with players capable of contributing both in defense and attack.
Palestra's ability to move up the flank and create plays increases his value on the market, especially in teams that rely on quick transitions. The pressure to close the deal with Palestra is high. The 23-year-old player is already a starter at Atalanta and has a contract until 2027, but Chelsea's offer could force the Bergamascos to reconsider.
Inter Milan, a traditional rival, is also keeping an eye on the athlete, which increases the value of the dispute. If Chelsea manage to close the deal, it will be a clear sign that Xabi Alonso has the power to shape the squad to his vision, even in a competitive market with inflated prices. On the other hand, the inability to hire a big name could undermine the project's credibility, especially after the departure of figures like Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovačić.
The decision to prioritize Palestra over Wesley reflects a long-term strategy. Wesley, despite his quality, is already 28 years old and his contract expires in 2025, which would reduce the return on investment. Palestra, on the other hand, offers a younger profile with greater potential for appreciation, in line with Chelsea's reconstruction project.
Furthermore, the Italian's ability to play in multiple positions — right-back, left-back or even midfielder — increases his usefulness in Alonso's tactical system, which values versatile players. Roma are not willing to sell Wesley, which forces Chelsea to target Palestra. The London club's initial offer already exceeds 50 million euros, but Atalanta could ask for more, especially if Inter Milan enters the dispute with a counter-proposal.
The pressure is great, and time is short: the market closes on September 1st, and Chelsea needs to close the deal before then to secure the player for next season. What is at stake is not just the signing of a right-back, but the credibility of Xabi Alonso's project. If the club is unable to close a deal, it could signal difficulties in attracting other big names in the future.
The inability to reinforce a critical position like right-back could expose weaknesses in the club's ability to compete in the market, even with Chelsea's generous budget. The dispute over Palestra also exposes a larger trend in European football: the appreciation of young, attacking full-backs, especially in Serie A. Clubs like Atalanta and Roma have invested in developing players with these characteristics, who are highly coveted by English teams.
Palestra's ability to offer solutions on both defense and offense makes him a valuable asset, but also an expensive target. If Chelsea manage to sign him, they could position themselves as a club willing to pay the price to build a competitive squad under Alonso. The pressure on Xabi Alonso is twofold: he needs to deliver quick results to justify rebuilding the squad, but he must also avoid costly mistakes in the market.
Right-back is just the first big battle; The biggest challenge will be maintaining coherence in an environment where values are on the rise and competition is fierce. What's next: The final decision on Palestra should be made in the coming days, with the market heading towards closing on September 1st. If Chelsea are unable to close the deal, it is likely that the club will redirect its efforts to other names in Serie A or even alternative leagues, such as the Bundesliga or Ligue 1, where quality full-backs can be found for more affordable prices.
Regardless of the outcome, the battle for Palestra has already made it clear that Chelsea are willing to pay a high price for players who fit Xabi Alonso's project — and that the competition will not make things easier. Read at Trivela
Why this matters
Signing a quality right-back is essential for Xabi Alonso's project at Chelsea. The fight for Marco Palestra, a talented and versatile young man, shows the club's intention to invest heavily to rebuild the squad, even in a competitive market with inflated prices. The decision could set the pace of Chelsea's reconstruction and Xabi Alonso's credibility as a coach capable of molding a squad to his vision. Furthermore, the outcome of the negotiation could influence the club's approach in future transfer windows, signaling whether Chelsea will prioritize young promises or already established names.
Frequently asked
Who are Chelsea's main targets at right-back?
Brazilian Wesley, from Roma, and Italian Marco Palestra, from Atalanta, are Chelsea's main targets for right-back.
What is the value of Chelsea's offer for Marco Palestra?
Chelsea's offer for Marco Palestra could exceed €50 million, but Atalanta could ask for more due to competition from Inter Milan.
What is Inter Milan's competition for Marco Palestra?
Inter Milan are also interested in Marco Palestra, which could make it difficult for Chelsea to sign the player.
Why does Roma consider Wesley non-transferable?
Roma are not willing to sell Wesley, which focuses Chelsea's efforts on Marco Palestra.
How old is Marco Palestra and how long does his contract run?
Marco Palestra is 23 years old and his contract with Atalanta runs until 2027, making him a long-term investment for Chelsea.
Why did Chelsea prioritize Palestra over Wesley?
Chelsea prioritized Palestra due to his younger profile and greater potential for growth, in addition to his versatility to play as a winger or midfielder.
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