Chelsea reportedly agree deal to replace Marc Cucurella with Atalanta's Marco Palestra

Following the recent departure of Marc Cucurella, who has joined Real Madrid, Chelsea have been desperately searching the market for a replacement in defence. 

Reports claimed that Inter had been working to complete the signing of Palestra in a deal worth over £43M over the past month but Chelsea have jumped in to secure his services in what is an incredible hijack from the Premier League side. 

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed the details of the deal on Wednesday morning, confirming that it is to go ahead. 

“BREAKING: Marco Palestra to Chelsea, here we go! Verbal agreement in place between all parties. 

“Atalanta to receive package over €55m fee plus sell-on clause, long-term deal to Italian talented RWB. 

“Chelsea hijack Inter move and get new talent for Xabi Alonso.” 

Palestra is five years younger and is capable of playing at both right-back and left-back under Xabi Alonso who takes over the side at the start of next month. 

The BBC report that Alonso has been in regular contact with the club hierarchy regarding incoming and outgoing transfers, meaning he will have control over the Palestra deal, which is set to go through over the coming week. 

The Blues finished 10th in the Premier League and failed to qualify for Europe, which does not seem to dismay Palestra. 

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