Chelsea: Marco Palestra issues Xabi Alonso verdict as Blues work on next deal after announcing £47m transfer | OneFootball

Blues have successfully hijacked Inter Milan to sign highly-rated defender

Standard Sport understands the versatile right-back has joined the Blues from Atalanta for a package that comes to £47million.

Palestra is contracted to 2033 and Chelsea see him as a signing who can go straight into Xabi Alonso’s starting lineup if needed.

Inter Milan were favourites to sign the 21-year-old until Chelsea joined the race and hijacked the deal last week by offering a package, and wages, that Inter could not match. His salary will include bonus incentives.

Chelsea appreciate Palestra’s ability to play right wing-back, right-back and to deputise on the left flank when needed.

New signing: Marco Palestra

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Explaining why the Alonso factor was a contributing reason to his decision to join, the Italian international said: “It was very important.

“I feel a lot of energy from him. Also, he is one of the best managers in the world [as you can see when] he won at Bayer Leverkusen.