Chelsea Close In On Palestra As Barcelona Dismiss Cubarsi Approach

Chelsea are putting the finishing touches on a move for Atalanta defender Marco Palestra, with the wing-back having successfully undergone his medical examination ahead of a switch to Stamford Bridge.

The Blues, who endured a disastrous campaign under successive managers Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior before limping to tenth in the Premier League, are pressing ahead with their summer recruitment drive despite the absence of European football next season.

Palestra's arrival will represent Chelsea's fifth addition of the window, following the acquisitions of Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP, Corinthians' Denner, Dastan Satpaev from Kairat Almaty, and Emmanuel Emegha of Strasbourg.

The 23-year-old has agreed personal terms on a six-year contract worth €5 million annually, with an additional option for a seventh season, and the deal with Atalanta is structured at over €50 million plus a sell-on clause. Xabi Alonso, Chelsea's new manager, reportedly played a direct role in convincing the Italian club's prospect to make the move.

The transfer represents something of a coup for the Londoners, having pipped Inter Milan to the punch at the eleventh hour. The Nerazzurri had been progressing negotiations with Atalanta at €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons, with plans to replace Denzel Dumfries, before Chelsea dramatically hijacked proceedings with a superior offer.

Palestra's versatility—capable of operating as either a right or left wing-back—made him an attractive proposition following Marc Cucurella's departure to Real Madrid.

Elsewhere, Chelsea have reportedly tabled a €80 million offer for Barcelona's Pau Cubarsi, though the Catalan outfit have made short work of dismissing such overtures. Barcelona view the 21-year-old centre-back as non-negotiable, placing him in the same untouchable bracket as Lamine Yamal, Eric Garcia, Joan Garcia, Fermín López, and Pedri González.

Any move for Cubarsi will only materialise should a club stump up the full amount of his release clause, with Barcelona unwilling to entertain discussions with potential suitors.