Atalanta Holds Firm on Marco Palestra Price, Putting Inter’s Pursuit Under Strain

Overview

• Atalanta have insisted on a fee above €50 million, with Italian reports on Tuesday placing the asking price around €53–€55 million and rejecting Inter’s proposed player-plus-cash swap.
• Inter have moved to increase their proposal to about €45 million plus add-ons but face the need for a largely cash deal after Atalanta turned down including youngster Matteo Cocchi.
• Reports say Palestra prefers a move to Inter but would choose Manchester City if they make a formal approach, which would likely shift the transfer in City’s favour.
• Fabrizio Romano and other outlets indicate Newcastle are unlikely to sign Palestra despite earlier interest and the club’s ability to meet lower reported offers.
• If Inter cannot bridge the gap they plan contingency moves, including targeting Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso and offering players such as Davide Frattesi or Carlos Augusto in swaps, while Atalanta’s broader transfer activity gives them little need to sell urgently.