Chelsea Lands Inter's Top Target in €60 Million Deal

Chelsea has reportedly secured their first major summer signing, snapping up one of Italian football's most promising talents, according to leading transfer experts in Italy. The player in question is 21-year-old Atalanta right wing-back, Marco Palestra.

The total transfer fee is believed to be €60 million, with an additional 10% of any future sale of the player. The Italian international is set to sign a six-year contract worth €5 million per season, and his medical examinations in London are already scheduled.

Interestingly, Palestra was a primary transfer target for Inter Milan, having already agreed to a contract with them until 2031, reportedly for an annual salary of around €3 million. The Nerazzurri were also close to finalizing a deal with Atalanta for €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons, but Chelsea intervened at the last minute, swiftly securing an agreement with the Bergamo club.

The young talent spent last season on loan at Cagliari, where he made 37 appearances, scoring one goal and providing four assists. He was even named the best defender in Serie A during that campaign. Palestra is now poised to become Chabi Alonso's first new recruit as Chelsea manager.