From Italy: Enzo Maresca gives green light for right-back signing ahead of Man City appointment | OneFootball

Manchester City are ready to make an offer for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, with incoming manager Enzo Maresca having identified the Italy international as an ideal fit for his system at the Etihad Stadium.

Palestra has been on City’s radar since earlier this year, with the Blues having been among a number of clubs monitoring the 22-year-old alongside Arsenal as his performances for Atalanta continued to attract widespread attention across Europe.

The right-back emerged on City’s shortlist last year as director of football Hugo Viana looked to address a long-standing need in the right-back position – and Maresca’s arrival as manager has only strengthened the club’s desire to pursue the deal this summer.

Inter Milan have already submitted a formal offer for Palestra, though Atalanta rejected the €40 million plus bonuses proposal almost immediately, with the Bergamo club insisting on a minimum fee of €50 million in a straight cash deal.

Report: City ready to offer as Atalanta force auction

As reported by TuttoAtalanta and relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester City are ready to make an offer for Palestra, with Enzo Maresca personally keen on signing the 21-year-old and the club unlikely to face difficulties in meeting Atalanta’s €50 million valuation.

Inter Milan remain interested but their pursuit has stalled after their opening bid was knocked back and a subsequent proposal involving young midfielder Cristiano Cocchi also failed to convince Atalanta, who want cash only.

Palestra himself has shown no interest in joining Newcastle United and while Inter remain his preferred destination, City’s offer is expected to change the landscape significantly once it arrives.

What is the wider context for City’s interest?

The right-back position has been identified as one of the priority areas for Viana to address this summer, with Matheus Nunes having deputised capably in the role last season but a specialist option remaining a clear need.

City were previously linked with Feyenoord’s Givairo Read and Andrea Cambiaso from Juventus as alternatives, though Palestra’s profile – an attack-minded, technically accomplished right-back who flourishes in a high-pressing, possession-based system – maps closely onto what Maresca will demand from the position in his first season in charge.

With Atalanta having created an open auction and City’s financial power comfortably exceeding Inter’s capabilities in this deal, the near future could finally bring clarity on a pursuit that has been building quietly for the best part of a year.