Chelsea signs Marco Palestra from Atalanta for £43m

Chelsea has finalized the transfer of Marco Palestra from Atalanta for £43 million. The 21-year-old defender, who joined Atalanta's youth system in 2014, made his professional debut in December 2023 and spent last season on loan at Cagliari, where he featured 37 times in Serie A, scoring once and providing four assists. Palestra made his senior debut for the Italian national team in March during a World Cup qualifying playoff. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso describes Palestra as a versatile defender, capable of playing multiple roles on both flanks.