Marco Palestra arrives for 60 million from Atalanta to reinforce the London defense with a contract until 2033.
Chelsea closes the signing of Marco Palestra for 60 million euros until 2033, consolidating coach Xabi Alonso's commitment to young Italian talent. Palestra, 21, arrives in London from . The Italian defender spent last season on loan at Cagliari, where his performance was spectacular.
There he not only established himself as the undisputed starter, but was crowned the best defender in Serie A in the 2025-26 campaign, drawing the attention of the big European clubs. His ability to project himself forward and his solidity in interventions made him a reference left back, key to the positional game that Cagliari imposes. The operation shields the left back with a long-term contract that links the player to the 'blue' entity for almost a decade.
This move responds to the urgent need to reinforce the defense with offensive projection and defensive solidity, fundamental pillars in the scheme that Alonso intends to implement in the Premier League. Furthermore, the signing comes in a context of high demand for young and technical full-backs, where clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester City were also looking for similar profiles. The arrival of Palestra represents a definitive boost to Chelsea's sporting strategy, which prioritizes profiles with high potential and the ability to adapt.
The Spanish coach has fully trusted the Italian to raise the team's competitive level immediately. His profile fits the Alonso model, which requires a left back with ball output, arrival to the area and defensive consistency, qualities that the Italian has demonstrated throughout last season. The signing also reflects Chelsea's commitment to the Italian market, a trend that has intensified in recent years.
Players like Mateo Kovacic and now Palestra show that Serie A remains a hotbed of talent for the Premier League, especially in defensive and midfield positions. This strategy not only reduces costs compared to the South American market, but also guarantees profiles with experience in highly technically demanding leagues such as the Italian one. Palestra's profile aligns with the tactical evolution of the Premier League, where full-backs are no longer mere defenders, but key pieces in the construction of the game.
His ability to cover large spaces and participate in offensive plays makes him a valuable asset in a championship where speed and intensity are decisive. Furthermore, his youth ensures a significant margin for improvement, something that British clubs increasingly value in a market where million-dollar signings demand immediate returns. What's next?
The player will undergo a medical examination in the next few hours in Cobham. His incorporation into the group for the preseason is imminent, with the aim of being ready for the start of the English league. "Palestra is not just another full-back, he is a profile that fits perfectly with what we are looking for.
He has the age, the projection and the quality to be key in our project," declared a Chelsea spokesperson after confirming the signing. Read at Marca Premier League
Palestra's arrival validates Xabi Alonso's vision to rebuild Chelsea. It is not only a purchase for the present, but an investment for the future in one of the jewels of Europe. Securing the best defender in Serie A at only 21 years old guarantees quality and revaluation in a key position to compete for the Premier League. Furthermore, the signing reinforces the club's commitment to the Italian market, a hotbed of talent that can make a difference in the Premier League, where the physical and technical demands are maximum. His profile fits into the tactical evolution of the English league, where full-backs are simultaneously offensive and defensive pieces, and his youth ensures continued growth under Alonso's command.
Marca Premier Leaguemarca.comBy EFE1 Jul, 14:16es
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