Official: Chelsea sign Marco Palestra from Atalanta

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COBHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 1: Chelsea Unveil New Signing Marco Palestra at Chelsea Training Ground on July 1, 2026 in Cobham, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images) | Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Over the last few years Marc Cucurella dominated the left flank of Chelsea’s defence, up until moving to Real Madrid and now trying to play poacher for them instead of focusing on Spain’s World Cup efforts. Yet we haven’t made the “Marc” spot empty from next season on, with Chelsea signing Marco Palestra from Italian club Atalanta.

Our new right-(wing?)back arrives at Stamford Bridge on a seven-year contract, with the Blues reportedly paying £47m for his talents.

We are delighted to announce the signing of Italian defender, Marco Palestra! pic.twitter.com/nUGCFEBC8O

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 1, 2026

The 21-year-old spent most of his youth development days at Atalanta, eventually making his first-team debut for them in the 2023-24 season. With very few chances to feature in the season after that, he moved on loan to Cagliari in summer 2025 to continue his path. He answered the challenge with a very solid outing throughout the year, earning the Serie A Defender of the Year award as a result.

“I’m very excited to get started. I’ve felt the energy since the first day Chelsea wanted me. I can’t wait to start, see all the fans, my team-mates and the manager.

“We have so many talented players here, a very strong squad and manager in Xabi. He has spoken to me about how he wants us to play, which is exciting, and we can’t wait to compete in the Premier League.”

-Marco Palestra; Source: Chelsea FC

Welcome, Marco! Let’s win some things!

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