“Acted fairly towards all parties” – DoF happy with deal to sell player to Chelsea

Atalanta director of football Cristian Giuntoli has insisted they “acted fairly towards all parties” in the deal taking Marco Palestra to Chelsea this summer.

Gianluca di Marzio reports on comments from the Italian director today from a press conference announcing his arrival at the club. He was asked about various transfer business this summer, including the deal for Palestra.

Chelsea deal raises eyebrows

Marco Palestra joined Chelsea in a €57m deal at the beginning of the month, in a move that surprised many.

The 24-year-old had appeared destined for a move to Inter Milan this summer. They’re set to sell Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid and had targeted the Italian international as his long-term replacement.

Indeed, various reports from Italy made it clear that Palestra preferred to join the Italian champions this summer. Chelsea’s willingness to spend big put an end to that.

Indeed, Sport Witness covered reports at the beginning of the month explaining that Atalanta were basically powerless to stop the move happening.

Atalanta played fair

The deal has certainly led to questions being asked in Italy. Chief among them is despair at one of their rising talents heading to the Premier League rather than joining the reigning champions. But Giuntoli insists that they played their part fairly.

“Everyone was fully aware of the situation; he has joined a great club and will represent Italy. We have acted fairly towards all parties,” he said when asked about the ‘circumstances’ of the move.

The question is what role Marco Palestra plays under Xabi Alonso at Chelsea this summer. The decision to sign him has certainly been an eyebrow raising one.

The Blues already have Reece James and Malo Gusto at right-back, so they are well covered in that area. But the latter has been linked with a potential move to join Enzo Maresca at Manchester City this summer. Perhaps that will open the door for him to establish himself.