How Chelsea convinced Palestra to abandon Inter pledge with €60m package | OneFootball

Chelsea moved late to challenge Inter for Atalanta defender Marco Palestra, submitting a stronger package to club and player after Inter had been closing on a deal.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Inter were finalising €45m plus add-ons to reach €50m, before Chelsea bid €57m plus at least €3m in bonuses and a 10 per cent sell-on. The London club also offered wages that more than doubled Inter’s proposed €2.5m per season.

The Serie A title winners had spent months negotiating with Atalanta.

Earlier this month, Newcastle United and Chelsea both made approaches, yet the Italy international initially declined because he had promised himself to Inter.

The breakthrough came when Xabi Alonso called to outline his project, combined with an offer worth €5m per season on a six-year contract.

Palestra then informed Atalanta he would accept either Inter or Chelsea, leaving the choice to the club. Atalanta asked Inter to match Chelsea’s bid, and Inter opted to withdraw.

Source: Football Italia