- Chelsea have completed the signing of Atalanta defender Marco Palestra on a seven-year deal for an estimated £47 million, including add-ons.
- Palestra, 21, is the first signing under new manager Xabi Alonso , who aims to remodel the squad after last season's 10th-placed Premier League finish.
- The defender, who was named Serie A's defender of the season while on loan at Cagliari , expressed excitement about joining "one of the best clubs in the world" and working with Alonso.
- Chelsea's defensive changes include Marc Cucurella's departure to Real Madrid and potential bids for Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix, while Malo Gusto is also expected to leave.
- An £8 million bid for Sunderland's Granit Xhaka has been rejected, while the club is open to offers of £120 million for Enzo Fernandez, who has expressed a desire to leave.
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