Report – Inter Preparing Opening Bid for Sought-After Atalanta Starlet | OneFootball

Inter and Atalanta could soon open talks over Marco Palestra’s transfer to San Siro, with the Nerazzurri hellbent on signing the Italian prodigy. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, La Dea are open to cashing in on their sought-after starlet.

Widely regarded as one of the most talented youngsters in Serie A, Palestra enjoyed a dream breakout season at Cagliari. Indeed, the 21-year-old made 37 league appearances for the Islanders during his season-long loan spell at the Unipol Domus, scoring one goal and adding four assists.

Despite returning to Atalanta at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, Palestra could soon leave Bergamo – for good this time. Eager to strengthen the right flank, Inter have earmarked the highly rated teenager as one of their top targets heading into the summer transfer window.

However, Palestra won’t come cheap.

Our Take on Inter & Marco Palestra

Atalanta have already turned down Inter’s attempt to include Davide Frattesi as a makeweight in a deal to sign Palestra. Though incoming boss Maurizio Sarri holds the Italian midfielder in high esteem and would like to bring him to the New Balance Arena, it would have to be a separate transfer.

Meanwhile, Atalanta have slapped a substantial €40 million price tag on Palestra and have no interest in budging on their demands. Inter, on the other hand, may offload long-serving stalwart Denzel Dumfries in the coming months and use the money from his sale to fund the Italian’s arrival.

Unlike last summer, when Atalanta refused to negotiate Ademola Lookman’s exit, Inter can at least take confidence from La Dea’s readiness to entertain offers for Palestra.