Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has spoken about working with new right-back Marco Palestra, who joined the London club from Atalanta at the beginning of July in a transfer worth about €60m.
Palestra, an Italian defender, became one of Chelsea’s first major additions under Alonso after the Spaniard took charge at the start of the summer. His arrival from Atalanta represents a significant investment by the club as they look to strengthen their squad following a disappointing league campaign.
The 21-year-old has been brought in to provide options at right-back, although Alonso’s comments focused on his experience of working with the new arrival rather than setting out specific plans for the player. The manager has now begun assessing Palestra as part of his wider review of the Chelsea squad.
Alonso was appointed Chelsea head coach at the beginning of the summer. The former Spain international had previously been in charge of Real Madrid, but was dismissed by the Spanish club in January.
His move to Stamford Bridge followed Chelsea’s 10th-place finish in the previous edition of the English championship. That result placed increased importance on the club’s preparations for the new season and on the decisions made by Alonso during his first transfer window in charge.
The signing of Palestra from Atalanta was completed in early July, with the fee reported to be approximately €60m. The transfer made the defender an important part of Chelsea’s recruitment plans and gave Alonso an early opportunity to evaluate a player who had arrived with a substantial price tag.
For Palestra, the move represents a step from Italian football to the English game and a chance to establish himself at one of London’s leading clubs. For Chelsea, the deal forms part of their attempt to improve after finishing 10th last season.
Alonso’s assessment of the defender comes as the new manager begins shaping the side in his own image. His previous position at Real Madrid ended in January, before he accepted the Chelsea role several months later.
The club’s league position last season remains the key background to Alonso’s appointment and to the decision to spend around €60m on Palestra. Chelsea will hope the Italian right-back can contribute to a stronger campaign, while Alonso continues to determine how his new squad should develop under his management.