Chelsea are edging closer to completing the signing of Atalanta right back Marco Palestra for a fee in the region of £43 million.
The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Cagliari, where he made a strong impression in Serie A with consistent performances throughout the campaign.
Palestra chipped in with one goal and four assists during his time with Cagliari, demonstrating his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
Chelsea’s interest in the young Italian defender is not a recent development, with the club having tracked him for the best part of a full year.
Former Cagliari sporting director Guido Angelozzi confirmed the Blues’ long-standing pursuit, revealing that they were not alone in monitoring the talented full back.
“Chelsea and Manchester City had been following him for a year. They were always at the stadium, at Cagliari and away from home,” Angelozzi told SportMediaset.
“They kept calling me. They wanted to know everything. Obviously they already had all the data, but they were looking for information about the boy’s character and his qualities.”
The level of diligence shown by Chelsea scouts underlines just how highly rated Palestra is among some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Chelsea currently have Reece James and Malo Gusto as their senior right back options, but Gusto has been linked with a departure from the club this summer.
The French full back is reportedly being considered by Manchester City, where he could reunite with former Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca.
Palestra’s arrival would naturally push Gusto further down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, potentially accelerating a move away from the club.
For Palestra himself, securing regular first-team football will be a key consideration as he looks to continue his development at the highest level.
The 21-year-old will be aware that competing for a starting berth with an established figure like Reece James will not be straightforward.
Whether Chelsea can offer him the consistent playing time needed to fulfil his potential remains one of the key questions surrounding the deal.
At £43 million, the Blues are making a significant financial commitment to a player they clearly believe has the quality to become a long-term asset.
His performances in Serie A during his loan spell at Cagliari have already attracted attention from across the continent, suggesting he is ready for the next step.
If Chelsea can manage his development carefully, Palestra could prove to be one of the smarter pieces of business they complete this summer transfer window.
