Chelsea's Palestra signing signals back‑three ambition

Marco Palestra is set to join Chelsea, moving from Atalanta after a three‑year ascent that saw him debut in the Europa League in December 2023 and impress on loan at Cagliari with 70 successful dribbles – the highest by any defender across Europe’s top ten leagues last season.

Chelsea are now prioritising a centre‑back acquisition, naming Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix as their primary target while also discussing a possible deal for Rayo Vallecano full‑back Pep Chavarria.

Sunderland have turned down an £8 million offer from Chelsea for their captain Granit Xhaka, who previously played under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen.

Palestra’s progression has been swift: after rising through Atalanta’s under‑23 side, he made his senior Atalanta debut in the Europa League and earned a senior Italy cap during the World Cup play‑offs.

During his loan at Cagliari last season he attempted 73 dribbles over five metres, the most by any defender in Serie A, and his 70 successful dribbles topped all defenders in Europe’s top ten leagues.

He also won 15 fouls in the final third, a figure joint‑most for a defender across Europe’s top five leagues, said: "The first thing that struck me was his maturity. He is a very curious young man – always willing to listen, yet with a strong personality." Angelozzi added that Palestra trained with intensity and constantly sought to improve.

Chelsea have monitored Palestra for over a year, valuing his attack‑minded defensive style and his ability to operate as a full‑back or wing‑back after beginning his career in central midfield.

His arrival may be the first indication that Xabi Alonso will implement a back‑three at Stamford Bridge, a system he used to win the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024.

Angelozzi praised Palestra’s technical quality and footballing intelligence, noting his great sense of timing, decision‑making under pressure and willingness to make sacrifices for the team.