Chelsea hold talks to sign a bigger talent than Palestra

Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior have all tried their luck and failed to succeed at Chelsea since BlueCo took control of the club back in May 2022.

Some of the aforementioned managers undoubtedly had their flaws at Stamford Bridge – but it’s starting to feel as though any new boss who walks through the door is destined for failure.

Erratic and often unnecessary transfer dealings have resulted in a huge influx of unproven and inexperienced talents arriving in West London – no doubt leading to an unsettled dressing room.

BlueCo appear to have learned their lesson after the failed Rosenior experiment, subsequently appointing proven-winner Xabi Alonso ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

The Spaniard is said to have more control over the club’s transfer business, and it appears he’s already wasted no time in informing the hierarchy of his chosen targets.

Chelsea making calls to sign £45m European talent

Over the last couple of days, Chelsea are said to have made their move and have even submitted an offer to sign Atalanta wing-back Marco Palestra this summer.

It’s been reported that Alonso’s side have already bettered Inter Milan’s bid for the 21-year-old, who won the Serie A’s Defender of the Year award on loan at Cagliari in 2025/26.

Such an offer is said to be in the region of £45m, but any move is set to hinge on whether the player himself prefers a move to the San Siro or Stamford Bridge.

Palestra isn’t the only player in the Italian top division to have caught the eye of Alonso, who has also made it clear he wants to complete a move for Como centre-back Jacobo Ramon.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed Chelsea’s interest in the Spaniard on his YouTube channel, stating: “He is a player that Chelsea are tracking. They spoke to Como because of Chalobah.

“So Chelsea and Como are talking. Chalobah was asked by Como, and then Chelsea asked about Ramon.”

Whilst Romano himself didn’t confirm how much a deal would cost for the 21-year-old, other outlets have stated that the Serie A side could demand as much as €50m (£45m) for the youngster.

It really seems as though Alonso is desperate to improve his backline with talks also underway to sign Crystal Palace centre-half Maxence Lacroix.

Why Ramon would be a better signing than Palestra for Chelsea

Alonso’s arrival at Chelsea ahead of the 2026/27 campaign could see the Blues switch to a back-five system – with such a tactic often utilised by the Spaniard during his time at Bayer Leverkusen.

He’s undoubtedly mastered the 5-2-2-1 system during his short managerial career, having won the Bundesliga and going invincible during the 2023/24 campaign.

However, it’s a formation which Blues fans have rarely seen used at the Bridge in recent times – potentially since Antonio Conte’s title-winning season a decade ago.

Alonso will hope to emulate the Italian’s success in West London, but there’s no doubt he needs added defensive reinforcements to help him in his quest next season.

A deal for Palestra would see a superb wing-back option arrive at the Bridge, but there’s a bigger need for added centre-back depth – especially if the manager operates with a back three.

Therefore, a move for Ramon could make more sense for the Blues this summer, with the Spaniard a player who is arguably a bigger talent than the versatile Italian defender.

He was part of Cesc Fabregas’ side which defied the odds and secured Champions League qualification – subsequently featuring in 32 of the 38 Serie A outings in 2025/26.

The former Real Madrid youngster managed to produce numerous mind-boggling stats which highlight why he’s already one of Europe’s biggest centre-back talents.

Ramon, who’s been dubbed “magnificent” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, won a staggering 3.7 aerial duels per 90 and achieved an aerial success rate of 67% in Italy’s top division.

Both of the aforementioned tallies rank him in the top 10% of all defenders in Europe – which could hand Alonso the aerially dominant option he will crave to suit his new system.

The Spaniard also managed to complete an average of 64 passes per 90 in Serie A last term – which also places him in the top 6% of defenders in Italy’s top-flight.

A deal for Ramon would also hand the Blues boss a key threat in the opposition box, as the 21-year-old registered 0.8 headed shots per 90 – with only two defenders averaging more.

His all-round quality at both ends of the pitch could well make him the perfect centre-back for Alonso, but it’s crucial that the hierarchy listen to the manager’s demands.

£45m for a player of his quality could prove to be an excellent addition for the Blues and one that could undoubtedly be a bigger deal than a move for Palestra this window.