Chelsea have made an approach to sign Atalanta left-back Marco Palestra, according to reports in Italy. The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Cagliari and played as a right wing-back, with the club finishing 14th in Serie A.
Impressive Season at Cagliari
Palestra impressed during his stint at Cagliari, earning Serie A's best defender award and recording the fastest average sprint speed in the division at 27.96 km/h.
Premier League Interest
According to Sky Sport Italy, both Chelsea and Manchester City have made contact with Palestra's representatives to discuss a possible move to the Premier League this summer. However, the report adds that Palestra's preference is to remain in Italy, and the defender is waiting to see if Inter can reach an agreement with Atalanta.
Atalanta are understood to be holding out for a €50 million (£43.2m) transfer fee plus €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons for Palestra.
Inter's Interest and Atalanta's Stance
Inter are in the market to sign a new right-sided defender following Denzel Dumfries' expected move to Real Madrid for €20m (£17.2m). However, Atalanta supporters have opposed Palestra's exit, putting up a banner outside the club's headquarters in Zingonia that read: 'The doctor ordered: at least one year of Palestra.'
Chelsea's Defensive Reinforcements
Chelsea are looking to bolster their defensive options following Marc Cucurella's departure to Real Madrid in a £51.8m deal. Xabi Alonso, who will begin his role as Chelsea manager on July 1, still has Reece James and Malo Gusto as options on the right side, though the France international has attracted interest from Manchester City.
