Following a recent period of leadership change that saw Enzo Maresca depart for Manchester City and Xabi Alonso take the reigns at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea is overhauling its defensive line. According to unconfirmed reports from a Sky Sports report, Chelsea placed a firm £75 million price tag on right-back Malo Gusto while simultaneously preparing to finalize a deal for Atalanta defender Marco Palestra within the next 24 hours.
The potential departure of Gusto comes as Maresca seeks a reunion with the 23-year-old French international at the Etihad Stadium. Chelsea are not actively pushing Gusto out the door but made it clear they will only sell if their exact £75 million valuation is met. Manchester City currently monitor the situation, weighing the financial demand against their need for defensive depth.
Meanwhile, Chelsea hijacked Inter Milan’s pursuit of Palestra at the final hour. Inter Milan previously reached an agreement on personal terms with the 21-year-old Italian, but Chelsea entered the race with a higher financial package. A direct phone call from Alonso to Palestra earlier this week shifted the player’s preference to London.
The rapid sequence of the transaction unfolded quickly over the past day:
- Inter Milan submitted an official bid and agreed to personal terms with Palestra.
- Chelsea intervened with an offer in excess of £43 million for the Atalanta defender.
- Alonso held a personal phone call with the player to explain his tactical fit.
- Palestra subsequently agreed to personal terms with Chelsea.
Palestra brings versatility to Alonso’s system. He operates comfortably at right-back, left-back, and as a wing-back. His arrival forces Gusto into direct competition for the right flank if the French defender remains in London. Chelsea continues to evaluate other defensive options, including Crystal Palace center-back Maxence Lacroix, as the club rebuilds its squad for the upcoming campaign.