Chelsea, Inter Milan, Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra and Xabi Alonso.
During Chelsea’s summer rebuild under Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea have moved to hijack Inter’s deal for Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra, with reports pointing to a €55m agreement. The 21-year-old was Serie A Defender of the Year after a breakout loan spell at Cagliari.
Palestra’s ability to play on either flank makes him attractive for Alonso’s back-three or back-four systems. Chelsea are paying for upside, athleticism and tactical flexibility, while Inter look set to miss out on a player they expected to sign.