Marco Palestra

Joins Chelsea through 2033

Palestra signed with Chelsea from Atalanta on a contract through 2033, the club announced.

Analysis: Palestra arrives at Stamford Bridge having been named Serie A Defender of the Year last season following an impressive campaign on loan at Cagliari, where he made 37 league appearances and stood out for his versatility across both flanks as a full-back and wing-back. The 21-year-old Italian international earned his senior debut for the Azzurri earlier this year before adding a second cap shortly after, underlining his rapid rise to the highest level of the game. He joins Chelsea ahead of pre-season under manager Xabi Alonso, giving the squad an exciting and versatile defensive option heading into the new Premier League campaign.