Chelsea announce £43million Marco Palestra deal

Chelsea have announced 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.

Chelsea won the race to sign Palestra despite the Italian looking at rejoining childhood club Inter Milan. The London club surpassed Milan’s £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 spoken to me about how he wants us to play, which is exciting, and we can’t wait to compete in the Premier League.”

Chelsea Unveil New Signing Marco Palestra at their Training Ground . (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Palestra spent last season on loan at Cagliari and was named Serie A’s defender of the year.

With Palestra’s signature now secured, Chelsea are focused on bringing in a centre-back, with Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix expected to be their primary target.

The Blues are also in talk with Rayo Vallecano full-back Pep Chavarria.

There are also agreed deals for striker Emmanuel Emegha to join from Strasbourg and winger Geovany Quenda to arrive from Sporting, while Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco is expected to complete a move.

Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season and failed to qualify for Europe, a move that means Alonso has to prove himself and bring back European football to Stamford Bridge.