Inter thought the deal was done, but Chelsea’s late intervention and a lucrative contract offer changed everything. Atalanta are set to receive €55 million plus a sell-on clause.
Inter believed they had secured one of Italy’s brightest young talents. Instead, Marco Palestra appears destined for Stamford Bridge.
The 21-year-old wing-back has reportedly agreed personal terms with Chelsea, turning down a move to Inter despite previously giving his word to the Nerazzurri and despite months of negotiations between Milan and Bergamo.
The dramatic twist has left Inter frustrated and scrambling for alternatives as they search for a replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who recently completed a move to Atlético Madrid.
According to reports from Italy, Inter had reached an agreement with Atalanta worth €45 million plus €5 million in bonuses and were preparing to announce the signing later this week. The deal had even received approval from Oaktree Capital, which viewed Palestra as a cornerstone investment for the club’s new era and one of the largest transfer fees Inter would have committed to since the arrival of Romelu Lukaku during the Suning ownership.
Everything changed when Chelsea entered the race.
The Blues, now managed by Xabi Alonso, reportedly offered Palestra a contract worth approximately €6 million per season, more than double the salary package he had already accepted from Inter, where he was expected to earn around €2.5 million annually with incremental raises.
Chelsea also improved the proposal for Atalanta, increasing the transfer fee to around €55 million and including a percentage on any future resale. The offer proved too attractive for both the player’s entourage and the Bergamo club.
Palestra’s agent, Alessandro Lucci, informed Inter executives that Chelsea’s proposal was on the table and that his client was seriously considering the opportunity to move to the Premier League.
Inter have reportedly decided not to match Chelsea’s financial terms. Under Oaktree’s ownership model, committing such wages to a player with only one full season of Serie A experience is considered unsustainable.
The Nerazzurri are particularly disappointed because head coach Christian Chivu had specifically requested Palestra as the ideal successor to Dumfries. The versatile Italian international was expected to strengthen the club’s domestic core and become a symbol of Inter’s long-term project.
Chelsea, meanwhile, believe Palestra fits perfectly into Xabi Alonso’s tactical plans. The Spanish coach reportedly spoke personally with the player, explaining that he sees him competing for a place on either flank. On the right, he could challenge Malo Gusto, while on the left he could provide depth behind Marc Cucurella.
For now, only an unexpected change of heart from Palestra could reopen the door for Inter. The player had previously indicated that staying in Serie A and joining one of Italy’s biggest clubs would be the ideal step in his development before eventually moving abroad.
At this stage, however, all signs point toward London.
For Inter, it is a painful setback. For Chelsea, it may be another statement signing in their ongoing pursuit of Europe’s most promising young talents.
