Chelsea player wants to leave the club hours after terms agreed with Xabi Alonso's first signing

A Chelsea star is reportedly exploring options to leave the club just hours after the Stamford Bridge outfit agreed a deal in principle to sign Atalanta defender Marco Palestra.

On Tuesday evening (June 23), it was widely reported that Chelsea were closing in on the 21-year-old full-back in a deal worth around £43 million.

The youngster, who has earned two Italy caps, spent last season on loan at Serie A side Cagliari, for whom he made 37 appearances.

The Buccinasco-born defender can play as both a right-back and a right wing-back, which may suit new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso’s favoured 3-4-2-1 formation.

The system brought him success during his time at Bayer Leverkusen, with Alonso guiding the German side to a domestic double in 2024 while going unbeaten in the Bundesliga.

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Palestra was heavily linked with a move to Serie A champions Inter, but the Italian club could not match Chelsea’s offer on personal terms.

And while Palestra’s arrival is imminent, the move may see Malo Gusto leave Chelsea this summer.

Reports from BBC Sport claim the French full-back is exploring options to leave this summer, with sources suggesting talks have been held with several Premier League clubs, including Manchester City.

Gusto is under contract at Chelsea until 2030 and is valued at £75 million by the Blues’ hierarchy.

The 23-year-old would provide competition for Matheus Nunes at the Etihad should he join the club, although City remain keen on other targets.

Gusto’s decision on his future may be made easier as his former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is expected to take charge of City next season.

The pair previously worked together over an 18-month period at Chelsea, during which they won the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League.

Who else could leave Chelsea?

Marc Cucurella has already left the club, joining Real Madrid in a £52 million deal, while many defenders continue to be linked with departures.

Trevoh Chalobah, who is currently at the World Cup with England, has been the subject of interest from both Inter and Como, with the defender open to moving to Italy.

Fellow defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana also face uncertain futures, while midfielder Enzo Fernández, who Chelsea value at £120 million, continues to be linked with a departure. José Mourinho reportedly sees the 25-year-old as an ideal addition to Real Madrid’s midfield.

The transfer window closes on September 3 at 5 p.m.