Overview
- Marco Palestra has a verbal agreement to join Chelsea from Atalanta for a package reported above €55m, according to multiple transfer reports.
- Sources say Xabi Alonso personally spoke with Palestra and values his versatility as a right wing-back who can play on either flank and in different systems.
- Chelsea are compiling a shortlist of centre-backs that prominently features Maxence Lacroix and Jacobo Ramon as they seek a long-term partner for Levi Colwill.
- Chelsea opened discussions with Como over Trevoh Chalobah but the clubs remain far apart on valuation, and those talks prompted Chelsea to ask about Jacobo Ramon.
- Jacobo Ramon carries Real Madrid protections including a 50% sell-on stake and staged buy-back options, a contractual detail that could complicate any transfer and shape Chelsea's next moves.