Chelsea have completed the signing of Italian right-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta in a deal worth about £47 million, including add-ons.
The 21-year-old has signed a six-year contract, with the option of a further year, becoming Chelsea’s first signing since Xabi Alonso was appointed manager.
Palestra had reportedly been close to rejoining his childhood club, Inter Milan, but Chelsea moved swiftly to outbid Inter’s reported £43 million offer and also presented a more attractive wage package.
The defender spent last season on loan at Cagliari, where his impressive performances earned him the Serie A Defender of the Year award.
Chelsea will hope Palestra’s arrival strengthens their defensive options ahead of the new season.







