Palestra agent hits back at Inter as Chelsea move explained | OneFootball

Alessandro Lucci has rebuked Inter president Beppe Marotta over criticism of Marco Palestra’s Chelsea switch, insisting Inter never struck terms with Atalanta and that Blues interest surfaced late.

Speaking to ANSA, the agent said Inter and Atalanta spent more than 45 days in daily contact without a definitive agreement, and that Chelsea talks began only two weeks earlier before a rapid conclusion. He added he wants the debate to cool and for the player to be shown respect.

The Italy international had been close to joining Inter last month in a package believed to be €40m plus €5m in add-ons. Before a deal was sealed, Chelsea arrived with an offer worth around €10m more to Atalanta, and with a salary roughly double that proposed at San Siro.

Earlier, Marotta accused Palestra of walking away from a verbal understanding and suggested Lucci could have guided him differently. He also lamented another Italian talent choosing a league he views as not in direct competition with Serie A.

Inter had approached Palestra months ago and he was prepared to wait for a move to San Siro. The inability to reach agreement with Atalanta stalled progress, and Chelsea then presented an equally strong project.

It follows other Inter pursuits that stalled with Atalanta, including Ademola Lookman and Ederson.

Source: Football Italia