Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Atalanta fullback Marco Palestra.
The Blues will pay £48 million (€55 million) fee plus sell-on clause to Atalanta after a crazy 24 hours of negotiations, where new manager Xabi Alonso proved crucial in securing the player.
Inter were the frontrunners for Palestra, who was also offered to Liverpool and Arsenal. The Italian giants thought they had a deal agreed, only for Chelsea to come in with more financial muscle, outbidding both their proposals to club and player.
Reports suggest that Chelsea will pay around £4.3m net for Palestra, which is double the figure that Inter Milan offered to the player.
What Palestra Will Bring To Chelsea
Sources close to Chelsea have told Striver.Football that Palestra is seen as the ideal fit for the way Alonso wants to play.
The 21-year-old Italian is capable of playing right wing back, left wing back and both fullback positions to a high level, making him one of the most versatile young full-backs available on the market.
A source also stated that Alonso was looking for a fullback option who could press high with intensity and be an attacking threat.
Palestra is known for his speed, strength and physicality, which is something sources also say Chelsea have been taking into consideration this summer.
According to data from transfermarkt, Palestra played 31 of his 37 appearances last season as a right midfielder (right wing back).
Although, as stated, Chelsea believe he can play both sides, it will be interesting to see what this signing holds for the future of Malo Gusto, who is subject of interest from several clubs, most notably Manchester City.
Xabi Alonso Crucial To The Deal
Chelsea's new manager will not only be backed with a signing that fits his system, but a signing that he personally called himself to secure.
Fabrizio Romano stated that Alonso held a call directly with Palestra on Tuesday afternoon to explain how he fits into his project.
While it remains unclear what Alonso will decide to do in terms of formation, there is no doubt that this is the first instance of the club and the new manager working side by side together and in full alignment on a signing.
Reports of Marc Cucurella being sold to Real Madrid without Alonso involved in the decision have been heavily downplayed.
It is understood that Chelsea's new boss not only gets to recommend both names and profiles, but that no player will be signed or sold without Alonso's approval
Chelsea Continue Planning Further Summer Additions
Chelsea are working behind the scenes, and are leaking a lot less 'step by step' details of transfers this summer, as I first reported weeks ago.
Three to four signings were initially mentioned in early talks with Alonso, but the situation is described as fluid and dependant on who leaves.
Morgan Rogers is still someone that Chelsea would love to sign, however there is an acceptance that his current preference is Arsenal. The club are watching closely in case there is an opportunity to pounce, as the player has not flat out rejected the idea of joining The Blues.
Crystal Palace centre back Maxcence Lacroix and Jacobo Ramon are part of a long list of centre back options, while interest in Adam Wharton has not been denied yet by sources.
