Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleChelsea have completed the signing of Atalanta defender Marco Palestra on a seven-year deal for an estimated £47 million, including add-ons. Palestra, 21, is the first signing under new manager Xabi Alonso, who aims to remodel the squad after last season's 10th-placed Premier League finish. The defender, who was named Serie A's defender of the season while on loan at Cagliari, expressed excitement about joining "one of the best clubs in the world" and working with Alonso. Chelsea's defensive changes include Marc Cucurella's departure to Real Madrid and potential bids for Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix, while Malo Gusto is also expected to leave. An £8 million bid for Sunderland's Granit Xhaka has been rejected, while the club is open to offers of £120 million for Enzo Fernandez, who has expressed a desire to leave. In fullChelsea sign Atalanta and Italian international defender Marco Palestra in £47m dealThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Chelsea complete first summer signing under new boss Xabi Alonso
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleChelsea have completed the signing of Atalanta defender Marco Palestra on a seven-year deal for an estimated £47 million, including add-ons. Palestra, 21, is the first signing under new manager Xabi Alonso, who aims to remodel the squad after last season's 10th-placed Premier League finish. The defender, who was named Serie A's defender of the season while on loan at Cagliari, expressed excitement about joining "one of the best clubs in the world" and working with Alonso. Chelsea's defensive changes include Marc Cucurella's departure to Real Madrid and potential bids for Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix, while Malo Gusto is also expected to leave. An £8 million bid for Sunderland's Granit Xhaka has been rejected, while the club is open to offers of £120 million for Enzo Fernandez, who has expressed a desire to leave. In fullChelsea sign Atalanta and Italian international defender Marco Palestra in £47m dealThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
