Chelsea are on the verge of completing a deal to sign Atalanta defender Marco Palestra, with the 21-year-old set to become Xabi Alonso’s first signing as Blues manager.

The club have struck an agreement with the Serie A outfit for a fee in excess of £43million, according to sources familiar with the deal.

Chelsea effectively hijacked Inter Milan’s prospective move for the Italy international, with Alonso understood to be a huge admirer of Palestra’s versatility across the defensive line.

The 21-year-old can operate at right back, left back, and as a wing back, making him an extremely flexible option for the new Chelsea manager.

Palestra has previously admitted his preferred position is at right back, having been moved back into defence during his time in the Atalanta academy.

The imminent arrival of Palestra has raised significant questions over the future of existing Chelsea right back Malo Gusto, who is attracting interest from a number of top clubs.

Manchester City, soon to be led by former Blues head coach Enzo Maresca, are understood to be among the clubs interested in signing the France international.

Chelsea have placed a £75million price tag on Gusto and do not consider him untouchable, although he remains highly rated by senior officials at Stamford Bridge.

Beyond the right back position, several other Chelsea defenders face uncertain futures as Alonso works to construct his preferred backline ahead of next season.

With the Blues targeting a new central defender to partner Levi Colwill long-term, both Maxence Lacroix and Jacobo Ramon have been identified as options to fill that role.

That pursuit has cast doubt over the futures of Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Benoit Badiashile, all of whom could potentially depart in the coming months.

Axel Disasi is expected to leave the club, while Mamadou Sarr and Aaron Anselmino are among those who could be sent out on loan to gain regular first-team experience.

While Chelsea are unlikely to sell all three of Chalobah, Adarabioyo, and Badiashile given their need for adequate squad depth, some departures do appear likely.

Jorrel Hato’s arrival has added further depth and competition at both left back and centre back, giving Alonso genuine flexibility in how he sets up his defensive structure.

Alonso could deploy a back four featuring Reece James, a new central defensive partner alongside Colwill, and Hato, or alternatively move James into midfield and start Palestra at right back.

The Spanish coach also has the option to use Palestra on the left side of defence if he chooses to push Hato into a more central role.

Should Alonso opt for a back three or a back five, the combination of James, a centre back addition, Colwill, Hato, and Palestra presents an exciting and well-stocked defensive unit.

Chelsea’s summer rebuild under Alonso is clearly well underway, and the pieces being assembled suggest an ambitious overhaul of the backline is firmly the priority.

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