- Palestra has attracted attention from several major clubs
- Inter are now pushing to win the transfer race
- Man City could be forced to look elsewhere
Marco Palestra’s future has taken a fresh turn as Man City face competition for one of Serie A’s most exciting young defenders.
The Atalanta-owned defender spent last season on loan at Cagliari, where his performances attracted wider attention in Serie A.
Palestra can operate as a right-back or wing-back, giving him the kind of profile that suits a modern possession-based team.
However, City may now face a problem in the race for his signature, with rivals stepping up their approach to sign the defender.
Palestra leaning towards Inter move
According to Il Giorno, Palestra is being followed by Man City, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid. However, the report claims the defender is currently oriented toward choosing Inter.
The Italian outlet adds that another meeting is expected between Inter and Atalanta as the two clubs look to move closer to an agreement.
Inter’s first offer was reportedly worth around £34.5m plus bonuses, while Atalanta’s initial asking price stood at around £43m.
A deal could now be closed at approximately £39m. With Inter now moving quickly, City might lose out on one of their right-back targets for the summer.
City face difficult transfer race
GOAL Italia previously claimed that City emissaries had watched Palestra during his loan spell at Cagliari, with reports coming back positively on a potential move.
Palestra would offer City pace, energy and tactical flexibility on the right side. His ability to play as both a full-back and wing-back would also make him useful in different systems.
However, the player appears to have clearly made his preference clear. Likewise, the Sky Blues may find it difficult to change the direction of ongoing talks.
City still need a right-back
While Matheus Nunes continues to do a great job on the right side, the Citizens still lack a proper wing-back on that flank.
Rico Lewis and Abdukodir Khusanov have also played on the right to cover for the gap in City’s squad. However, none of those three players are natural right-backs.
That leaves room for a younger, natural right-sided defender to grow into the squad. Palestra fits the bill as signing the Italian would finally fill the gap Kyle Walker left at the Etihad.
