One season away from home was enough to convince the big clubs to hold an auction for Marco Palestra, a talented right-back who developed in the Atalanta youth system. Having truly blossomed in Cagliari after his debut for the Azzurri, Palestra metaphorically passed through Bergamo only to pack his things. He seemed destined to move to Inter as the natural heir to Dumfries, for a fee of €50 million, plus performance-related bonuses and a potential resale fee. That was until Chelsea swooped in, not only offering Atalanta a higher price—€57 million plus €3 million in bonuses and a 10% in the event of a resale—but also doubling the player's seasonal contract value, from €2.5 million expected by Inter to €5 million net per year for five years. Palestra, it seems, was captivated by the words of Xabi Alonso, the Blues coach with whom he spoke via video call. Atalanta had no choice but to accept the most generous offer offered by Chelsea. Chelsea, it should be noted, will not be competing in next season's Champions League, but clearly want to return to the top by strengthening their squad with new talent.
Marco Palestra during his call-up to the National A team (credits: FIGC)
