Chelsea Close £55m Marco Palestra Deal as Man United Agree New Onana Loan Move

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Atalanta defender Marco Palestra, with the player scheduled to undergo medical checks in London on Friday ahead of completing his move to Stamford Bridge.

The Premier League club have already reached an agreement with Atalanta over a package worth more than €55 million, including a sell-on clause, as they continue to strengthen their squad with young talents.

Palestra is expected to sign a long-term contract with Chelsea, with reports indicating the deal will run until 2032 with an option extending it to 2033.

Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the development on X, writing: “Marco Palestra will undergo medical in London on Friday as new Chelsea player.”

Meanwhile, Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement with Trabzonspor over another loan deal for goalkeeper André Onana.

Onana spent last season with the Turkish club and is reportedly not part of new manager Michael Carrick’s plans for the upcoming campaign. Trabzonspor are set to pay a loan fee to United, with the remaining details expected to be completed soon.

Opinion: Chelsea’s continued investment in young players shows their long-term approach to squad building, and Palestra’s arrival could be another example of that strategy. For Onana, another loan move may offer a chance to regain confidence and regular playing time, but it also raises questions about his future at Manchester United.