Inter Milan face competition from Chelsea for Marco Palestra

Chelsea have emerged as serious contenders to sign highly-rated Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra, according to The Athletic.

The Blues are threatening to derail Inter Milan’s pursuit of one of Italy’s brightest defensive prospects.

Inter have been pushing to reach an agreement with Atalanta for the 21-year-old, entering talks for a deal worth €45 million plus a further €5m in performance-related bonuses.

However, negotiations have yet to produce a breakthrough, opening the door for Chelsea and another unnamed Premier League club to enter the race.

Palestra enjoyed a remarkable 2025/26 campaign on loan at Cagliari, establishing himself as one of Serie A’s standout defenders.

His performances earned him the league’s defender of the year award. Palestra’s rapid rise has also been recognised on the international stage.

The Italian made his senior debut in March and has already collected two caps, underlining the growing belief that he could become a cornerstone of their backline for years to come.

Blessed with outstanding athleticism, Palestra has built a reputation for excelling in one-on-one duels while offering relentless energy down the flank.

He won almost two-thirds of his ground duels last season and combines defensive solidity with an attacking threat that has attracted some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Palestra could be an upgrade on Malo Gusto for Chelsea. Gusto struggled for consistency last season, making costly defensive errors and failing to provide the attacking impact expected.

He has been linked with a move to join Enzo Maresca at Manchester City.

Palestra’s physicality, defensive intelligence and ability to influence games at both ends of the pitch suggest he would be a far more complete option.

If Inter sign him, Chelsea should consider giving youngster Genesis Antwi a chance to prove himself.