In a surprising turn of events, sources in Italy indicate that Marco Palestra has agreed to join Chelsea. The London club reportedly surpassed Inter Milan’s offer significantly, not only with a transfer fee exceeding €55 million plus bonuses to Atalanta but also with a wage offer more than double what Inter proposed.
The player had appeared to be on the verge of a move to Inter this summer, following an impressive loan spell with Cagliari.
Chelsea’s Late Swoop for Palestra
Atalanta had initially been prepared to accept a bid of €45 million with an additional €5 million in bonuses and were in the process of finalizing the details of add-ons and clauses.
Inter had also presented personal terms to the player, reportedly worth €2.5 million per season.
However, Chelsea made a sudden move, prompted by coach Xavi Alonso’s directive to acquire the Italy international. The Premier League club reportedly pulled out all the stops to secure the signing.
Multiple reports suggest that Chelsea’s salary offer was more than double that of Inter, with figures ranging from €5 million per season according to Sky Sport Italia to €6 million per season according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
This combination of a highly attractive financial package and Chelsea’s evident determination was enough to sway Palestra, who had until this point seemed set on continuing his career in Serie A with Inter.
Chelsea also comfortably outbid Inter in terms of the transfer fee, offering €55 million plus €5 million in bonuses, according to Sky Sport Italia and Sportitalia. This represents a €10 million increase over Inter’s proposal, though Atalanta had indicated they would allow Palestra to make the final decision.
Several reports this evening suggest that Inter are growing increasingly pessimistic about the transfer, acknowledging their inability to match Chelsea’s financial package.
