Chelsea Complete Signing Of Atalanta Defender Palestra

Chelsea have completed the signing of Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra for a fee of about £47m, including add-ons.


The 21-year-old has signed a six-year deal, with the option of a further year, and becomes the first arrival since Xabi Alonso’s appointment as manager.

Palestra had been the subject of an agreement to rejoin childhood club Inter Milan, but Chelsea moved quickly to surpass their £43m offer and, according to sources in Italy, offered a more substantial wage package.

“A lot of things convinced me to join Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world,” Palestra said.

“We have so many talented players here, a very strong squad and manager in Xabi.

“He has sp...