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Chelsea<\/a> are in talks over a deal to sign Italian fullback Marco Palestra from Atalanta this summer, according to Nicolo Schira<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Palestra has emerged as one of the most exciting young fullbacks not only in Serie A but also across European football following a breakthrough campaign last season.<\/p>\n What began as a loan move to Cagliari to provide cover for Gabriel Zappa quickly transformed into something far more significant, with the 20-year-old seizing a regular starting berth and going on to appear in 37 of their 38 league matches under Fabio Pisacane and played a crucial role in securing survival as Cagliari finished nine points clear of the relegation zone.<\/p>\n His impressive performances at club level were enough to earn him a call-up to the Italy squad during the March international break under Gennaro Gattuso, where he marked his arrival on the international stage with a debut appearance in the World Cup play-off fixtures against Northern Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.<\/p>\n Having established himself at both club and international levels, Palestra is expected to attract significant attention this summer, with several clubs, including Chelsea, set to battle for his signature.<\/p>\n It appears Chelsea are looking to trump rivals to sign the 21-year-old, as Nicolo Schira<\/em> reports that the London giants have opened talks with Palestra\u2019s entourage in recent weeks to discuss his potential transfer<\/a> to Stamford Bridge this summer.<\/p>\n With a contract at the Stadio di Bergamo that runs until 2029, Atalanta are in a strong negotiating position, and it\u2019s no surprise Schira<\/em> adds that the Bergamo-based outfit have placed a valuation between \u00a343 and \u00a347m\u00a0on the Italian international.<\/p>\n While Inter have a pre-agreement with Palestra, the Italian champions\u2019 offer falls short of Atalanta\u2019s demands, according to the journalist, which could give the free-spending Chelsea an advantage in the race.<\/p>\n Last season, Palestra\u2019s 7.24 duels won per game showcased just how reliable he is in one-on-one situations. In total, he won an outstanding 248 duels, 62 more than Joao Pedro, whose 186 duels won were the most by any Chelsea player last season.<\/p>\n Palestra\u2019s technical qualities are equally impressive, with an 85.1% pass completion rate and 70 successful dribbles, demonstrating both his composure in possession and his ability to progress the ball, attributes that would make him a strong fit for Xabi Alonso\u2019s style of play.<\/p>\n However, with Schira<\/em> reporting that Palestra prefers to remain in Italy amid interest from Inter Milan, it\u2019ll be interesting to see if Chelsea can convince the fullback to join them this summer.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPalestra to Chelsea<\/h2>\n
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