Palestra agent ready for Inter talks, leaving Chelsea and Manchester City behind

Atalanta star Marco Palestra’s move to Inter is increasingly imminent, despite Chelsea and Manchester City interest, as his agent arrived in Milan today for negotiations.

FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 24: Marco Palestra of Cagliari Calcio reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Cagliari Calcio at Artemio Franchi on January 24, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

The wing-back made a huge impression while on loan at Cagliari this season, scoring one goal with four assists, and his bright performances earned him his first senior Italy caps.

Turning 21 in March, he is ready for the next step in his career and Atalanta have said they won’t hold him back, but are waiting for an offer worth €50m.

Palestra talks reach next level

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Tarik Muharemovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina competes for the ball with Marco Palestra of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

Things seem to be reaching a crucial stage, because his agent Alessandro Lucci was spotted in Milan today, as confirmed by this Sportitalia footage.

Premier League clubs have shown strong interest in the player, above all Chelsea and Manchester City.

However, Palestra did seem to be leaning towards Inter for several weeks already, where he can become the right-sided mirror to fellow Italy international Federico Dimarco in a 3-5-2 formation.

It has been reported that the two clubs are close to an agreement worth €50m, so the arrival of Lucci could signal that negotiations between them is moving onto a new level.

The discussions are down to bonus structure and a potential sell-on clause, with a way for Inter to spread out the payment.

This is not a problem for Atalanta, who are one of the few clubs to make consistent profits in Serie A, largely thanks to churning out talents like Palestra from their youth academy.