Chelsea have completed the signing of 21-year-old Marco Palestra from Atalanta, securing the young defender on a seven-year contract running until 2033.
Last season, Palestra spent time on loan at Cagliari, where he featured in 37 Serie A matches, scoring once and providing four assists during the 2025/26 campaign. His performances earned him the accolade of Serie A’s best defender of the season.
The Italian full-back, who can operate as a right-back or wing-back, was brought in to fit the preferred 3-5-2 system of new manager Xabi Alonso, a formation that relies on players capable of stretching the opposition’s defense high up the pitch.
“Many factors convinced me to join Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world,” Palestra said on the club’s official website. “I’m very excited to get started. I felt the energy from day one, how much Chelsea wanted me here. I can’t wait to begin, meet all the fans, my teammates, and the coach.
“We have so many talented players here, a very strong squad, and coach Xabi. He told me about his vision for how we want to play, and it’s very inspiring. We’re all looking forward to competing for a place in the Premier League,” Palestra added.
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