Chelsea hijack Inter’s move for Palestra

Chelsea have sensationally overtaken Inter in the race for Marco Palestra, launching a decisive bid just as the Nerazzurri were finalising terms with Atalanta. Inter had spent weeks negotiating for the highly rated full‑back, identified as the ideal successor to Denzel Dumfries, who is expected to join Real Madrid soon. However, the landscape shifted dramatically when Chelsea presented an offer exceeding €55 million and added a sell‑on clause, convincing Atalanta to pivot towards the Premier League side.

The Blues also outmatched Inter on personal terms, proposing a long‑term contract far richer than the Italian club’s package. With an agreement now in place between the clubs and the player’s representatives giving their approval, the transfer is reportedly close to completion. Unless a late twist emerges, Chelsea appear set to pull off one of the summer window’s most striking hijacks, securing a defender long viewed as one of Serie A’s brightest prospects.