Key facts
- Chelsea signed Italy defender Marco Palestra from Atalanta for $57 million.
- Palestra signed a seven-year contract with the club.
- UEFA has urged Chelsea to significantly decrease squad costs due to financial rule breaches.
- Chelsea sold Marc Cucurella for a reported $70 million.
- Palestra was named Serie A's defender of the year and has two caps for Italy.
Chelsea has completed the signing of highly-rated Italian defender Marco Palestra from Atalanta for a reported fee of 43 million pounds ($57 million). The 21-year-old, who can play on either flank primarily as a wing back, has signed a seven-year deal.
This acquisition comes at a critical juncture for Chelsea, as the club is under scrutiny from UEFA for breaching financial monitoring rules. UEFA has reportedly urged the club to "significantly decrease" its squad costs. Chelsea is also anticipating a substantial revenue drop in the upcoming season due to its failure to qualify for the Champions League or any other European competition.
Palestra arrives at Stamford Bridge with significant pedigree, having been named Serie A's defender of the year while on loan at Cagliari. He was noted as the fastest player in Serie A and led defenders across Europe's top five leagues in completed dribbles. He has also made his debut for the Italian national team, earning two caps.
The transfer follows the recent appointment of Xabi Alonso as Chelsea's manager, whose preferred tactical setup often utilizes wing backs. Chelsea has also been active in player sales, notably offloading left back Marc Cucurella for a reported 60 million euros ($70 million), a move that has helped bolster its delicate financial situation.