Chelsea continue to press ahead with an ambitious summer rebuild as Xabi Alonso looks to put his own stamp on the squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
One deal that has been done concerns highly-rated Italian youngster Marco Palestra.
The Atalanta full-back emerged as one of Chelsea’s priority defensive targets after impressing with his development in Bergamo.
Palestra enjoyed another strong campaign on loan at Cagliari, earning praise for his athleticism, technical quality and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.
Primarily a right-back, the 20-year-old is also capable of operating as a wing-back, a role expected to become increasingly important under Alonso.
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Chelsea are understood to have sealed a £43m deal, with Palestra also completing his medical and signing a six-year contract (Fabrizio Romano).
Another defender firmly on Chelsea’s radar is Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix.
The Frenchman has enjoyed an impressive stint at Selhurst Park following his move from Wolfsburg.
Chelsea ‘pleading’ with England star to join them as he gives one word reply
The west Londoners really want him.
Lacroix established himself as one of Palace’s most reliable defenders, using his pace and strength to excel in one-on-one situations while also proving comfortable playing out from the back.
His performances have attracted interest from several clubs, although Chelsea have remained among the most persistent admirers.
Chelsea are expected to sign Lacroix after the World Cup as they look to strengthen a defensive unit Alonso wants capable of operating in a back three as well as a traditional four-man defence.
While Chelsea continue working on defensive additions, attention has now turned towards midfield, and an extraordinary update has now come out of Stamford Bridge.
Sunderland star Granit Xhaka agrees personal terms to join Chelsea
According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea have already reached a “full verbal agreement” with Sunderland star Granit Xhaka over a summer move.
Plettenberg reports that personal terms have been fully agreed between the Switzerland international and Chelsea.
He adds that Chelsea are now in contact with Sunderland as discussions continue over a possible transfer.
The latest update follows reports from Switzerland and England suggesting Alonso has personally pushed for Chelsea to bring Xhaka to Stamford Bridge.
Why Xabi Alonso might want to sign Granit Xhaka
The pair previously enjoyed enormous success together at Bayer Leverkusen.
During their unbeaten Bundesliga-winning campaign, Xhaka became one of Alonso’s most trusted players, helping Leverkusen to complete an historic domestic season without suffering defeat.
The experienced midfielder also played a key role in Leverkusen lifting the DFB-Pokal while reaching the UEFA Europa League final.
Xhaka’s consistency stood out throughout the campaign.
Those attributes have continued throughout his time with Sunderland.
The Swiss international has remained one of the Black Cats’ most influential performers, bringing experience to a relatively young squad while continuing to demonstrate the passing range and tactical intelligence that have defined his career.
Chelsea’s interest suggests Alonso believes Xhaka could immediately improve his midfield options despite the club already possessing several younger central players.
Should an agreement be reached, Chelsea would secure one of Alonso’s most trusted former players as the Spaniard continues shaping his squad ahead of the new campaign.
Chelsea set to sign Arsenal target with deal to be completed after World Cup
He’d be a coup for Xabi Alonso.
