Manchester City and Arsenal battle for Italian rising star as Enzo Maresca era nears | OneFootball

Atalanta’s rising star Marco Palestra could be an option for Manchester City in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to reports in Italy.

Palestra played 3,058 minutes across 36 Serie A matches for Cagliari, on loan from Atalanta, this season after breaking through the ranks of his parent club’s academy in 2023.

Since making his first-team debut that year, his progress has been exceptional and earned him a senior Italy debut in March, where he featured against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Northern Ireland.

Which clubs are interested in Palestra?

The 21-year-old is known for his exceptional dribbling and has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising young right-backs, which has come with its interest from multiple clubs.

In April, Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Arsenal and City were competing for the signature of the talent, while Mikel Arteta’s side also monitored Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso.

Inter Milan are said to be interested in Palestra as well but despite journalist Gianluca Di Marzio describing the defender as the Nerazzurri’s “undeclared dream”, a €40 million price-tag will not be enough to sway him away from moving to the Premier League.

Could Enzo Maresca sign Palestra upon Man City appointment?

Pep Guardiola managed his final game as Manchester City manager on Sunday and it is expected that Enzo Maresca will be his successor, making the Etihad Stadium job his first since a New Year’s Day departure from Chelsea.

If the Italian becomes the next City boss, the club could make a move for Palestra for the obvious Italian link but additionally for the qualities that compliment Maresca’s style. 

The price for Palestra could rise to €50 million or even €60 million by the time the summer window opens and, in that case, he would certainly be out of reach for Inter.

Are Man City planning to sign a right-back this summer?

City, however, have the ability to spoil the San Siro club’s desire but a future at the Etihad Stadium could be hard to come by if Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis stay at the club. 

Lewis, who broke into Guardiola’s first team during the treble winning 2022-23 season, has been limited to only 11 Premier League appearances this season and there is a belief that Palestra can certainly be an option in the future. 

The Italy international has a contract until 2029 but City’s sporting director Hugo Viana has shown plenty of times that he can negotiate around a lengthy contract and bring talent to the Etihad.