Why Manchester City could be the favourite to sign Marco Palestra | OneFootball

As reported by Alfredo Pedullà, Inter are set to face competition for Atalanta fullback Marco Palestra in the summer, with Manchester City also monitoring his situation.

The Nerazzurri have for months been touted as a potential destination for the 21-year-old, who has had a coming-of-age campaign on loan at Cagliari this season, having helped them avoid relegation while also earning two caps with the Italy national team.

Inter president Beppe Marotta has publicly expressed his admiration for Palestra, who is expected to be his first choice as the long-term replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who is expected to depart San Siro in the summer.

However, Premier League interest has also been a issue Inter need to be wary of, especially when it comes to young domestic talent. Duly, Man City have emerged as leading name, keen on bringing in fresh players for their soon-to-be announced new head coach, Enzo Maresca.

While Atalanta have previously stated that they’d prefer keeping hold of Palestra, which would be even more understandable now given Maurizio Sarri’s arrival, they may not be able to resist the financial temptations offer by Inter, and even more so in case of City. Wages will not be a problem for Palestra, who Capology report has a gross weekly wage €5,385 for the season, while his price tag could reach as high as €45 million.

City’s interest could spell trouble for Inter

Serie A’s financial struggles are well known, and so is the fact that Premier League clubs are currently overwhelmingly potent when it comes to offering better deals than most elite clubs on the continent.

Add on top of that Man City’s ability to offer wage packages that simply cannot be matched by even their fellow English heavyweights, and we have on our hands a situation in which Inter may simply be priced out of the equation altogether.

While the prospect of remaining in Italy and contest for the big trophies may convince Palestra to remain in Serie A for the time being, it would be wise for Inter keep a list of alternatives at hand.

Anshuman Joshi | GIFN