Official: Chelsea buy Palestra from Atalanta for reported €60m fee

Open menu

OneFootball's home page

Settings

Football Italia

1 July 2026

Chelsea have officially purchased Italy international

Marco Palestra

from

Atalanta

, reportedly at a fee of €60m plus add-ons, with a six-year contract and option to extend.

“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,”

Palestra told the club website.

“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.”

The 21-year-old had been on the verge of a transfer to Inter for €45m plus bonuses, but the

Premier League side swooped in at the last minute

with a vastly improved offer, plus doubling the salary he would’ve been earning at San Siro.

It is reported the wages at Stamford Bridge will be worth over €5m per season for six years, plus an option to extend for another season.

Atalanta are expected to retain a 10 per cent cut of the future sale fee as well, picking up circa €57m plus €3m in bonuses.

CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 14:

of Italy in action during the UEFA Euro U21 Qualification match between Italy and Armenia at Stadio Giovanni Zini on October 14, 2025 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

Palestra is primarily a right-back who can also play on the left or in a more advanced role.

A product of the Atalanta youth academy since the age of 10

, he flourished when on loan at

Cagliari

last season, scoring one goal with four assists in 37 appearances for the Sardinians.

The player also earned his first

two senior caps for Italy in March 2026

, having previously been a regular at Under-19 and Under-21 level.

Chelsea announce arrival of Marco Palestra from Atalanta

Playmakerstats

Palestra farewell message to Atalanta after Chelsea move: ‘Followed my dreams’

Chelsea ‘offer’ £69m for Barcelona star with ‘medical completed’ for fifth summer signing

Football365

How Chelsea convinced Palestra to abandon Inter pledge with €60m package

OffsAIde

Chelsea ‘to sign’ Palestra from Atalanta in €60m move

Predicting which clubs the summer's biggest free agents will sign for

There are still some massive names who are set to become free agents in the summer, with some high-profile deals due to expire at the end of next month.As speculation...

Tottenham: Why James Maddison was not awarded a penalty against Leeds as Premier League issue statement

Spurs midfielder denied a big moment on his return from injuryThe Premier League has explained why Tottenham were not awarded a penalty in their draw against Leeds.As the clock ticked...

Bento's howler delays CR7's first title in Saudi Arabia 😱

An ugly mistake by Brazilian goalkeeper Bento prevented Al-Nassr from winning the Saudi League title this Tuesday.Cristiano Ronaldo’s team was leading 1-0 until the 53rd minute of the second half,...