Cagliari's loan star Palestra draws Chelsea into European transfer race

Marco Palestra's loan spell at Cagliari this season has transformed the Atalanta-owned right-back into a target for Europe's richest clubs. According to Sky Sport Italia, Chelsea have joined Inter Milan and Manchester City in opening preliminary talks with Palestra's agent, signalling serious intent to acquire the defender in the coming transfer window.

Palestra's performances in Serie A during his loan from Atalanta have marked him as one of the division's most promising young defenders, attracting scrutiny from the continent's elite. The interest from Chelsea, Inter and City reflects the calibre of his displays in a Cagliari shirt, where he has established himself as a reliable presence in the league's upper reaches.