Chelsea are on the verge of signing Atalanta's Marco Palestra in a deal worth more than £43 million, with the 21-year-old set to become the first major acquisition under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Palestra had appeared destined for Italian champions Inter Milan after a standout loan spell at Cagliari last season, during which he was named Serie A's best defender. Yet following an intense 24-hour negotiation, Chelsea have won the race for his signature — sources in Italy indicate that Inter could not compete with the Premier League club's offer on personal terms.

At Stamford Bridge, Palestra is prized for his versatility: he can operate on either flank, both as a wing-back and as a more orthodox full-back. The Italian international, who earned his first senior cap for Italy this year, fits the profile of the dynamic, adaptable defender Chelsea are seeking.

Alonso's early mark

The move carries significance beyond the transfer fee. Alonso, appointed as manager — rather than head coach — rather than the more limited head coach role, is understood to have personally approved the deal. It represents the first major signing sanctioned since he was named Liam Rosenior's successor in May.

Alonso is due to formally begin his tenure on 1 July, but has maintained close contact with the club's leadership on both incoming and outgoing business throughout the transition period.

Further business planned

Chelsea's summer recruitment does not stop with Palestra. The club are targeting at least one central defender and a midfielder — with Strasbourg's Valentin Barco understood to be the frontrunner for that role, multiple sources suggesting a deal is close. A versatile attacker is also on the club's list of priorities.

Several players are also due to arrive at Stamford Bridge in deals struck last year, including £40 million winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting and Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha.

Departures are also expected to follow Marc Cucurella's switch to Real Madrid, as Chelsea look to slim down a bloated squad after a difficult campaign that saw them finish 10th in the Premier League and miss out on European competition entirely.