Xabi Alonso ‘to push’ Chelsea to rival Inter for Palestra

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·24. Juni 2026

Xabi Alonso ‘to push’ Chelsea to rival Inter for Palestra

Inter’s move for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra has been jolted, with Chelsea back in the race. The Athletic reports the deal is not done and the Premier League club have re-entered the frame.

Sky Sport Italia claims new head coach Xabi Alonso is driving the push and has told Chelsea to go all in, viewing Palestra as central to his plans.

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Inter were believed to be at the final stage with Atalanta and the player. A €45m fee plus a further five million in add-ons had been set, and personal terms were formally presented to agent Alessandro Lucci.

Only the structure of add-ons and sell-on clauses still required agreement. Chelsea can comfortably outbid Inter on fee and wages, so the question is whether the Italy international sticks with his original plan.

A decision could come within hours. If Chelsea convince him, Palestra could turn towards Stamford Bridge instead.

Source: Football Italia