Inter Milan are finalising the signing of Marco Palestra from Atalanta after the defender’s agent arrived in Milan to complete the transfer. Alessandro Lucci is working to conclude negotiations that are expected to confirm the 21-year-old’s move to San Siro within the coming days.
The total transfer package is valued at approximately €50 million including performance-related bonuses. Palestra has already agreed personal terms on a five-year contract worth €3 million net per season. However, Atalanta are currently negotiating to include a sell-on percentage clause in the agreement, which could push the final value beyond the initial €50 million figure.
Palestra Rejects Premier League Interest
The Italy international has rejected concrete approaches from Chelsea and Manchester City to secure his place at Inter. This determined stance proved decisive in maintaining the Nerazzurri’s position at the front of the queue, despite significant competition from England’s top clubs.
Palestra arrives following an impressive loan spell at Cagliari last season, where he established himself as one of Serie A’s emerging defensive talents. His consistent displays earned him his first senior call-ups to the Italy national team and convinced Inter’s recruitment team to pursue him as a long-term solution for their defensive line.
Filling the Dumfries Void
The acquisition is designed specifically to fill the vacancy created by Denzel Dumfries’s impending departure to Real Madrid. Palestra is expected to step directly into the right-back role, offering both defensive solidity and attacking width on the flank.
While the broad agreement between all parties has been in place for some time, the outstanding details relate purely to the finer financial points rather than any fundamental disagreement over the transfer itself. The deal is anticipated to be announced formally once the sell-on clause structure is finalised.