A Chelsea player wants to leave the club just hours after agreeing to terms with Xabi Alonso’s first signing.
A Chelsea star is reportedly thinking about leaving the club just hours after Chelsea agreed a deal to sign Atalanta defender Marco Palestra.
On Tuesday evening (June 23), news broke that Chelsea were close to signing the 21-year-old full-back for about £43 million. Palestra, who has played twice for Italy, spent last season on loan at Serie A side Cagliari, making 37 appearances.
Born in Buccinasco, the defender can play as a right-back or a right wing-back, which fits well with new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation. Alonso had great success using this system at Bayer Leverkusen, leading the team to a domestic double in 2024 and an unbeaten Bundesliga season.
Palestra was linked with Serie A champions Inter, but they couldn’t match Chelsea’s personal offer. While Palestra’s arrival looks set, his signing might mean Malo Gusto leaves Chelsea this summer.
According to BBC Sport, the French full-back is considering his options and has reportedly talked with several Premier League clubs, including Manchester City. Gusto’s contract with Chelsea runs until 2030, and the club values him at £75 million.
If Gusto joins City, he would compete with Matheus Nunes, though City are also interested in other players. His decision might be easier since his former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca is expected to manage City next season. The two worked together at Chelsea for 18 months, winning the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League.
Marc Cucurella has already left Chelsea, joining Real Madrid for £52 million. Meanwhile, many defenders are still being linked with moves away. Trevoh Chalobah, currently with England at the World Cup, has caught the eye of Inter and Como and might move to Italy.
Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana also face uncertain futures. Midfielder Enzo Fernández, valued at £120 million by Chelsea, is also linked with a move. José Mourinho reportedly thinks Fernández would be a perfect fit for Real Madrid’s midfield.
The transfer window closes on September 3 at 5 p.m.