Arsenal and Manchester City face transfer battle for Serie A right-back

Who is Atalanta’s Marco Palestra?

After graduating from Atalanta’s youth academy, Palestra kicked off his senior career with his debut by coming off the bench in a 4-0 UEFA Europa League win over Rakow Czestochowa in December 2023.

The defender registered 16 appearances for Atalanta’s senior team before joining fellow Serie A side Cagliari on a season-long loan last August, establishing his place as a key name in the squad and starting 30 out of his 31 appearances so far this season.

Having also scored one goal and provided four assists for Cagliari, Palestra also recently earned his first senior international call-up for Italy, offering an impressive display against Bosnia & Herzegovina in an ultimately disappointing World Cup play-off final.

Are Atalanta open to parting ways with Palestra?

With Marco Palestra having a breakout campaign on loan at Cagliari, Atalanta are keen on retaining their talented academy star and have already turned down approaches from Inter, AC Milan, and Juventus, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Atalanta have also reportedly placed an eye-watering price tag of €40 million on Palestra, making it difficult for many Italian clubs to pursue the player given the financial constraints on several leading Serie A sides.

However, the estimated cost will certainly not drive away interest from Premier League clubs, with the report suggesting Arsenal and Manchester City could be open to making offers over €40 million to acquire Palestra’s signature.

What’s next for Manchester City?

Manchester City’s interest in Marco Palestra comes amid the player’s consistent form in making attacking contributions while maintaining defensive solidity, while his age and versatility, ability to use both feet makes him a great long-term fit at the Etihad Stadium.

However, the same qualities are also of great appeal to Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, who are also reportedly monitoring another player in a similar profile; Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso.

With Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta’s preference to include versatile players in their respective squads, Atalanta’s high price tag is not expected to keep the English giants away.

Along with the ongoing contention between City and Arsenal for the Premier League title this season, another off-the-pitch battle to sign Marco Palestra appears to be developing as the summer transfer window approaches.