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

Official: Chelsea buy Palestra from Atalanta for reported €60m fee 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. Chelsea snap up Italy star Palestra CREMONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Marco Palestra 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.