According to various sources, Chelsea will sign Palastrelli, and the Daily Mail has published analysis explaining why Chelsea is so keen on the young defender.

Typically, journalists are tipped off with precise times and locations – 20:20 at Terminal 3, Level 1 of Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Rome – and asked to arrive on time. But that would be tedious, wouldn't it? Better yet to imagine that Italian newspapers station a reporter at every airport, sipping espresso at security gates, just in case a famous footballer appears.

Whatever the behind-the-scenes truth, it has become an "initiation ritual," and on Thursday evening, it was Palastrelli's turn. The 21-year-old Italian was photographed at Fiumicino Airport – looking appropriately cautious in dark sunglasses and a cap, saying little when approached. He then boarded the 20:20 flight, completing his transfer from Atalanta to Chelsea for a fee exceeding £43 million.

Palastrelli is Xavi Alonso's first signing since taking over as Chelsea manager, and the signing has left fans speculating whether the new boss will adopt a three-back or four-back formation. Palastrelli can play as a left-back or wing-back, and as a rare two-footed player, he is fully capable of operating anywhere on either flank.

This partly explains Alonso's interest in the young defender – he won Serie A's Best Defender award during his loan spell at Cagliari last season. Chelsea has always favored versatile players, often described as "Swiss Army knives," and Alonso is no different.

Palastrelli's arrival allows Alonso to deploy the 3-4-2-1 formation that brought him success at Leverkusen and the four-back system he relied on at Real Madrid. For Alonso, tactical flexibility depends on available personnel.

Chelsea fans may not yet be familiar with the tall Palastrelli. As a left-back and wing-back from Serie A, supporters might expect him to resemble Marcos Alonso more than Zappacosta.

Conveniently, Palastrelli's name fits perfectly with the old Alonso chant – "Marcos, Alonso, run down the wing for me, da da da da da..." – adapted from the "Heartbeat" TV theme. The decision-makers at Stamford Bridge seized the opportunity to recruit this prospect this summer.

Those who have tracked Palastrelli's development have told the Daily Mail Sport that his progress has exceeded expectations.

It's ironic that when Atalanta won the 2024 Europa League final 3-0 against Alonso's Leverkusen (their only defeat of the season), Zappacosta was their right wing-back. Palastrelli was not in the squad that day, having yet to establish himself in Atalanta's first team.

Palastrelli only began featuring for Atalanta in the 2024-25 season, initially mostly as a substitute, but his development has been steady and consistent.

The original plan was for Palastrelli to join Cagliari on loan for the 2025-26 season for regular playing time, then return to Atalanta in 2026-27 when Zappacosta, then 34, would need a successor.

But after Palastrelli impressed at Cagliari, Atalanta ultimately couldn't resist cashing in. At Cagliari, he ranked top in Serie A for fouls won – an impressive 108, compared to Lazio's Mattia Zaccagni's 82 in second place – while only Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz surpassed him in dribbling attempts and success.

Of course, at 21, he still has room for improvement. But an observer who tracked his Cagliari loan said the experience demonstrated his character – his first taste of senior football, away from friends and family, yet he performed impressively for a struggling team.

According to former Cagliari sporting director Guido Angelozzi, Premier League scouts frequently attended matches, including making personal assessments of his character.

Angelozzi added: "He has everything: physicality, strength, speed, dribbling. We're talking about a very complete player in every aspect. He's also a great person who lives for football, has a supportive family, and an excellent agent. He has all the ingredients for a brilliant career."

Palastrelli's impressive performances earned him a call-up to the Italy national team. Though Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, he was among the standout performers in the playoff against Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was in tears after the penalty shootout loss.

Palastrelli was born in Buccinasco, a suburb of Milan, and came through Inter Milan's youth academy. Inter also tried to sign him this summer, but Serie A champions ultimately lost out to Chelsea's higher transfer fee, superior salary, and Alonso's personal persuasion.

However, Palastrelli's arrival raises questions about the future of other Chelsea defenders, particularly Gusto. The 23-year-old right-back is valued at £75 million by the club, and Manchester City – soon to be managed by Maresca – along with other European clubs have shown interest.

Then there is Achampong, who is currently getting far less playing time than he would like and may find more opportunities elsewhere. This week, the Daily Mail Sport looked into the 20-year-old Chelsea academy graduate, and club sources told us they view Achampong as a centre-back, not a left-back or wing-back like Palastrelli.

This is Chelsea's assessment of Achampong, and insiders added that their stance on him this summer hasn't changed: despite strong interest from several top Premier League clubs and European sides, he remains untouchable in the squad hierarchy. Unlike Gusto (£75 million) and Enzo (£120 million), Chelsea has not provided a specific price tag when asked about Achampong's transfer fee.

However, Chelsea's defensive reinforcements are not complete. Beyond Palastrelli, they also hope to sign another centre-back after previously inquiring about Crystal Palace's Lacroix and monitoring Como's Ramon.

Chelsea currently have nine centre-backs on their books: Colwill, Chalobah, Anselmino, Disasi, Badiashile, Fofana, Adarabioyo, Malang Sarr, and Achampong.

Now they want to bring in a 10th centre-back, and because they cannot spread playing time across a full squad rotated through European competition, permanent exits are essential. Chalobah is one player currently being pursued by Como, the Serie A club managed by Fàbregas, who won the Premier League twice with Chelsea.

Chelsea still have plenty of transfer business to complete this summer, but at least they've made their first significant signing by acquiring the highly promising Palastrelli.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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