Marco Palestra Joins Chelsea From Atalanta As Xabi Alonso Begins Era

Chelsea confirm a 47m (€54.8m) move for Italy defender Marco Palestra from Atalanta, handing the 21-year-old right-back a six-year deal. The transfer strengthens the squad before Xabi Alonso’s first season in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Palestra already steps in as a senior international, earning two Italy caps in March during the World Cup qualification play-offs, when the team went out. "It was very important, Palestra told Chelsea's website when asked about Alonso. I feel a lot of energy from him."

The new signing adds depth on the right, with Malo Gusto linked with a possible exit to Manchester City. Chelsea also search for a new left-back after Marc Cucurella joined Real Madrid in a 51.5m (€60m) transfer earlier in the window.

Palestra arrives after limited action for Atalanta, where there were nine Serie A outings. Development accelerated on loan at Cagliari in 2025-26, with 37 league appearances, one goal, four assists and involvement in five clean sheets in the Italian top flight.

The deal forms part of a wider rebuild. The Blues have sold Marc Cucurella to Madrid, while academy product Tyrique George is reportedly close to a permanent move to Everton. Chelsea have also had a bid for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka turned down.

Alonso’s reputation clearly shaped the move for Palestra. "Also, he is one of the best managers in the worldhe won at Bayer Leverkusen. It's important for me to have Xabi Alonso as the manager. I have had two conversations with him and I'm very happy because he told me what he wanted from me. I'm very happy to know him and to start training with Chelsea."

Midfielder Enzo Fernandez is reported to be open to leaving, with Real Madrid named as a possible destination. That situation develops alongside the confirmed Chelsea move for Palestra, which addresses the defence as the club reshapes several key positions.

Palestra’s arrival, combined with outgoing deals and further targets, signals a significant refresh of Chelsea’s back line and midfield. The club now enters pre-season preparing to integrate the Italy defender into Alonso’s system before competitive fixtures begin.