Chelsea leading race to sign Atalanta right-back

Chelsea have the upper hand over Inter Milan in the race to sign Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues recently appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager, and the Spaniard is widely expected to play with a 3-4-2-1 formation next term.

This would mean utilising attacking wing-backs, and Palestra is seen as a possible solution on the right for the Blues next campaign.

Reece James and Malo Gusto are options at Alonso's disposal, but the former could operate as the right centre-back for the Blues instead.

It is now revealed that Chelsea have made an offer worth €50m for Palestra, €5m more than what the Nerazzurri are willing to pay.

This has put them in the front seat to land the Italian, and Atalanta are prepared to finalise an agreement with the west London giants.

Palestra has given his priority to Inter over the past few weeks, but may change his stance with the San Siro side yet to meet the price tag.