Arsenal are in a battle with Chelsea and Manchester United over a deal to sign Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra. Tuttojuve.
The Italian, who is on loan at Cagliari, has developed into one of the most exciting full-backs in Serie A this season.
Initially brought in as cover, the Italian, worth £21m Transfer markethas firmly established himself in Fabio Pisacane’s lineup this season and emerged as a key figure in their relegation battle, with the club currently two points clear of 18th-placed Hellas Verona in Serie A.
Limited appearances for Atalanta’s senior side last season gave a glimpse of his potential, but the decision was made to send him out on loan to secure regular playing minutes due to competition from established right-backs Davide Zappacosta and Raoul Bellanova.
Currently at Cagliari, Palestra is strengthening his case for a place in Atalanta’s first-team plans next season, delivering consistent performances during his loan spell, which has seen him feature in fifteen of Rossoblù’s sixteen league matches so far.
According to TuttojuvePalestra’s performances in the Italian top flight have attracted the interest of several clubs across Europe ahead of next season.
In the Premier League, the report adds that Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd have added the Italy U21 star to their transfer shortlist for next summer and will compete against each other for his signature.
United should prioritize the Palestra attack
However, the English trio are not alone in the race as other European giants including Juventus, FC Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and Bayern Munich have also shown interest in the youngster, according to the report.
Although Mikel Arteta has a preference for using natural centre-backs in full-back positions, as evidenced by his use of Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber in left and right-back positions. Arsenal also have Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Piero Hincapie as alternative options, giving the north Londoners significant depth at wing-back.
Chelsea already have Reece James and Malo Gusto in their ranks, while highly regarded youth talent Genesis Antwi is also highly regarded at the club.
A switch to United therefore seems the most logical option. Not only would it open up more opportunities for regular minutes, but he would also fit well into Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, as he has already shown he is well suited to the demands of a wing-back role.
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