Meet the first signing of Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea revolution

Xabi Alonso does not take Chelsea training for the first time until July 9 — but work has already begun rebuilding the squad he is inheriting.

With Spain international Marc Cucurella sold to Real Madrid and all-action midfielder Enzo Fernandez seemingly set to follow, the Blues have snapped up Italian youngster Marco Palestra for a reported £43million.

The right-footed defender, 21, is expected to push skipper Reece James for a place in Alonso’s XI but he can also play on the opposite flank.

His arrival would suggest that Malo Gusto, who has been linked with Manchester City, could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge this summer.

But why have Chelsea swooped to make the Atalanta man the first signing of the Alonso era?

After an impressive season-long loan at Cagliari led to him being named Serie A Defender of the Year, Palestra perfectly fits the profile for the club’s recruitment policy under owners BlueCo.

He is young, talented and likely to generate a substantial profit should the Blues ever sell him on.

Most importantly, he is determined to help Chelsea get back on track after a disastrous 2025-26 campaign saw them miss out on silverware and fail to qualify for Europe.

Palestra said: “If I look back 10 or 15 years, I couldn’t even imagine achieving this dream.

“As a child, I always had the goal to be a professional footballer. I made a lot of sacrifices, especially when I was younger, but being here repays all that.

“Reaching the best league in the world is a dream that came true. I had no idea of what I could become, that I could play for a Premier League team in the future.

“You dream and hope about it but you can only believe in it once it happens. I had the dream to reach this level. Now I’m ready.

“I believe my experiences, particularly at Cagliari last season, will massively help me to settle at Chelsea.

“I played every match, gaining experience and confidence in my qualities in a tough league such as Serie A.

“Also, having my first matches with the Italian national team has given me international experience, facing international players.

“For me, this club is very important and I’m very happy. I want to know all the fans — and promise I will give my all for this badge.”

Comfortable on the left as well as the right, Palestra’s versatility is likely to ensure he will be a major asset for Alonso.

And the talented Italian is relishing working under the former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid manager.

He added: “A lot of things convinced me to join Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world.  

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“I’m very excited to get started. I’ve felt the energy since the first day Chelsea wanted me. I can’t wait to start, see all the fans, my team-mates and the manager.

“We have so many talented players here, a very strong squad and manager in Xabi.

“He has spoken to me about how he wants us to play, which is exciting, and we can’t wait to compete in the Premier League.”

While Chelsea fans are desperate to see more experience added during the summer transfer window, there is no doubt they will be excited by the capture of Palestra.

With two caps for his country already under his belt, the sky’s the limit for Italy’s latest rising star.

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