Marco Palestra: Man United storm into transfer race for highly-rated Atalanta wonderkid | OneFootball

Manchester United have reportedly joined a growing list of clubs looking to sign Atalanta starlet Marco Palestra.

Palestra making waves

A product of the Atalanta youth system, Palestra joined Cagliari on loan last summer and has emerged as one of the best right-backs in Serie A this season.

Juventus and AS Roma made attempts to snap him up but he eventually ended up in Sardinia. Palestra has made 14 Serie A appearances so far this season, contributing three assists in that period.

A natural attacking force, Palestra uses his incredible speed to surge forward at every opportunity, excelling in advanced positions. Naturally right-footed but impressively adept with his left, he presents a dynamic and unpredictable challenge for defenders.

Despite being just 20, Palestra plays with a maturity and technical ability that defy his age.

While Roma and Juventus remain keen suitors, the list of clubs circling Palestra continues to grow, with CaughtOffside reporting that United are keeping tabs on the situation.

United eyeing Palestra

CaughtOffside claim, “While the Italian quartet of Inter, Juventus, Milan, and Napoli are lying in wait to keep this homegrown talent in Serie A, interest from abroad is even more intense.”

“Sources close to the situation have informed CaughtOffside that Premier League giants Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United, alongside European heavyweights Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are scouting Palestra’s development every week.”

“The fact that Atalanta unhesitatingly rejected a €20 million bid from Liverpool last summer serves as concrete evidence of the high price tag the Italian club has set for their protege.”

CaughtOffside contend that it would take €35-40 million to convince Atalanta to sanction Palestra’s sale.

(Stats obtained from FBref)

It’s understood that the Bergamo outfit are in no rush to sell Palestra, which gives them a lot of negotiating power if someone comes calling.

It’s unclear whether Palestra will be on the move in January or a transfer will be shelved until the summer window.

online polls

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social