Chelsea sign Italy defender Marco Palestra for £47m

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 2, 2026

Chelsea have signed 21-year-old Italian defender Marco Palestra from Atalanta on a seven-year contract for an estimated £47 million. This signing is the first under new manager Xabi Alonso and signals the club's effort to reinforce their defense after finishing 10th last season.

Chelsea have secured the signing of Italian defender Marco Palestra from Atalanta, agreeing to a contract reportedly lasting seven years. The 21-year-old, who has made two appearances for the Italy national team, joins the Premier League club for a fee estimated at £47 million, including potential add-ons.

This transfer marks the first acquisition under Chelsea’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, as he begins to reshape the squad following a disappointing 10th-place finish in the previous Premier League season. The club is actively seeking to bolster its defensive options, with reports indicating ongoing interest in Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix as well.

Palestra’s arrival reflects Chelsea’s ambition to strengthen their backline with young, internationally experienced talent. The move is expected to provide depth and versatility to the team’s defensive setup as they aim to improve their league standing under Alonso’s management.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.