Atalanta, Chelsea make contact over Palestra - but he is waiting for Inter

Competition for Marco Palestra is intensifying. After Manchester City, Chelsea FC have also decided to target the Atalanta BC wide player and have made contact with the former Cagliari man’s entourage. For now, however, it has gone no further than an enquiry.

There are no negotiations at this stage, but it is understandable that the Blues - fresh from selling Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid - would view Palestra as a potential starter on the left flank, especially given his ability to operate on both sides.

That is according to Sky Sport, which adds that the desire of the 2005-born player and his agent, Alessandro Lucci, is to remain in Italy, in a league he already knows. The priority, therefore, is Inter Milan, who have yet to reach an agreement with Atalanta over the transfer fee.

La Dea are asking for at least €50m, although even that may not be enough given the growing interest from abroad.

The 21-year-old has so far made 41 appearances and scored three goals for Atalanta Under-23s, as well as 16 senior appearances for Atalanta and 37 outings with one goal for Cagliari Calcio.

At international level, he has played twice for Italy, eight times for the Under-21s, twice for the Under-20s, nine times for the Under-19s — scoring once — and four times for the Under-18s.

His honours include a UEFA Europa League title, while his contract with the Bergamo club runs until 30 June 2029.