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Chelsea Football Club has completed the signing of Italian defender Marco Palestra from Atalanta on a seven-year contract, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday.
The club did not disclose the transfer fee, although British media reported the deal is worth an initial £43 million ($57 million), with performance-related add-ons potentially taking it to £47 million.
The 21-year-old becomes Chelsea’s first signing since new manager Xabi Alonso officially began work at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Italian media had linked Palestra with a move to Inter Milan, but Chelsea reportedly secured his signature after presenting a more attractive offer.
Speaking after the move, Palestra said Chelsea’s stature and the ambition shown by the club convinced him to join.
He said he had felt the club’s enthusiasm from the outset and was eager to meet the supporters, his new teammates and Alonso.
The defender also praised the quality of Chelsea’s squad and said Alonso had already outlined his tactical vision, adding that he was looking forward to competing in the Premier League.
“A lot of things convinced me to join Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world,” Palestra told the London side’s website.
“I’m very excited to get started. I’ve felt the energy since the first day Chelsea wanted me. I can’t wait to start, see all the fans, my team-mates and the manager.
“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,” he added.
Palestra enjoyed a standout 2025/26 campaign while on loan at Cagliari, where he impressed in both full-back and wing-back roles. His performances earned him the Serie A Defender of the Year award.
He also made his senior international debut during Italy’s unsuccessful World Cup qualifying play-off campaign.
Chelsea is expected to continue reshaping their defence after a difficult season at the back.
Marc Cucurella has already departed for Real Madrid, while the club has also been linked with a move for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix.
