Chelsea Football Club has officially marked the beginning of the Xabi Alonso era by securing defender Marco Palestra on a long-term agreement. The Blues acquired the 21-year-old from Atalanta for a fee exceeding £43 million, signing him to a seven-year contract.
The London club had been tracking Palestra’s development throughout his loan spell at Cagliari last season. Although Inter Milan had been considered the favorites to sign the Italian international for most of the summer, Chelsea intervened with a superior financial offer to Atalanta to finalize the transfer.
Palestra is the first major addition under Alonso’s leadership. Expressing his excitement, the defender stated that Chelsea’s global status and the manager’s tactical vision were key factors in his decision. He noted his anticipation to contribute to the squad and compete in the Premier League. In a farewell message to his former club, Palestra thanked Atalanta for his development, describing his time in Bergamo as transformative for both his career and personal growth.
