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Rabat – Italian international defender Marco Palestra has completed his £43m move from Atalanta to Chelsea, signing a new contract set to keep him at Stamford bridge until 2033. Palestra progressed through joining the Atalanta’s youth Academy in 2014, and he made his first professional appearance in 2023.
The eight-year length of this deal reflects Chelsea’s massive belief in the prospect’s ceiling while easily fitting with the club’s plans for locking down top young talent. A stalwart of La Dea for the past 11 years, his exit rounds off a remarkable transformation from youth prospect to one of the hottest defensive free agents in Europe.
The young defender earned high praise from his manager following an impressive 2025/2026 on loan at Cagliari, with the club’s head coach Fabio Pisacane telling SkySports: “He seems like a player built on the PlayStation.”
The 21-year-old defender featured in 37 Serie A matches, scoring once and assisting four times. This outstanding display was enough to win him the Serie A defender of the year award last season, as well as his first call up to the Italian National team.
“A lot of things convinced me to join Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world,” Palestra told the club media. “Xabi Alonso 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.”
Palestra is regarded as an extremely flexible athlete who primarily plays as a right-back but can also play as a full-back or wing-back on either flank. This ability to play in many positions makes him an ideal fit for Xabi Alonso’s dynamic system.
Known for his special pace, high football IQ, and exceptional one-on-one ability, Palestra recorded an astounding 70 completed take-ons-ranking at the end of 2025/2026 Serie A season. These impressive figures made his performance the second in the whole league, only behind Kenan Yildiz, according to SkySports.
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso believes the defender will bring in elite athleticism and tactical flexibility to the Chelsea squad, particularly as current right-back Malo Gusto is thought to have agreed a deal with Manchester City. Palestra rejected interest from Serie A winners Inter Milan to seal his switch to London instead.
