Chelsea Reportedly Enquires About Atalanta Defender Marco Palestra
Chelsea has reportedly initiated preliminary talks with the agent of Atalanta-owned right-back Marco Palestra, according to Sky Sport Italia. The London club joins Inter Milan and Manchester City in expressing interest in the promising defender. Palestra spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Cagliari, where he developed into a highly-rated player in Italy's top flight. His current club, Atalanta, is reportedly seeking a transfer fee exceeding €50 million.
Chelsea Football Club has reportedly made contact with the agent of Marco Palestra, an Atalanta-owned right-back, to discuss a potential transfer. This development, reported by Sky Sport Italia, places Chelsea among other top European clubs, including Inter Milan and Manchester City, that are also interested in the defender.
Palestra, who primarily plays as a right-back, spent the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Cagliari. During this period, he established himself as one of Italy's most promising defenders in Serie A, attracting significant attention from various clubs.
Atalanta is reportedly prepared to sell Palestra, with an asking price that is believed to exceed €50 million. Chelsea has reportedly engaged Alessandro Lucci, Palestra's agent, who also represents Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori.
Despite the interest from abroad, Palestra is reportedly keen to remain in Serie A. His current priority is an agreement between Inter Milan and Atalanta regarding his transfer fee, though such an agreement has not yet been reached. Palestra made his senior debut for the Italian national team in March 2026 and has since earned two international appearances.
According to Sky Sport Italia, preliminary talks have begun regarding the defender's future.
