Marco Palestra has become one of the most fought-over names of the Italian summer, and Atalanta are in no hurry to settle.

The Bergamo club value their young right-back at around 50 million euros and are quietly hoping a three-way scrap between Inter, Newcastle and Manchester City drives the price even higher.

Inter are leading the chase. Coach Cristian Chivu has reportedly made Palestra a priority target, and the Nerazzurri have already tabled an opening offer worth around 40 million euros plus bonuses.

Atalanta knocked it back and held firm on their valuation, so Inter are now working out how to bridge the gap.

How Inter Plan to Get the Deal Done

One option on the table is a player-plus-cash swap. Reports in Italy suggest Inter are willing to throw in 19-year-old left-back Matteo Cocchi, who made his senior debut under Chivu this season, to bring Atalanta's cash demand down.

The other piece of the puzzle is on the way out. Inter intend to part-fund the move by selling Denzel Dumfries, with Real Madrid keen on the Dutch defender as they hunt a new option on the right.

Cash from that sale would hand Inter the firepower to meet Atalanta closer to their asking price.

Why Everyone Wants Palestra

The interest is no mystery. Palestra spent 2025-26 on loan at Cagliari and turned it into a breakout campaign, racking up 37 appearances with a goal and four assists, and earning his first senior caps for Italy along the way, boosting his odds of a big move.

He returns to Atalanta on June 30 with his stock higher than it has ever been.

The player is not hiding his ambition either. Speaking from Italy's training base at Coverciano, Palestra said he has always felt ready to step up to a big club, fuelling the sense that this is the summer he finally leaves Bergamo for good.

The Premier League Threat

Newcastle are the most committed of the English suitors and are reportedly prepared to match Atalanta's valuation, with odds on the transfer market heating up.

There is a catch, though.

The Magpies will not be in European competition in 2026-27, and Palestra is said to be unconvinced about a switch to St James' Park without Champions League football on the table.

Manchester City have watched him closely, with their scouts running the rule over him on several occasions. Their pursuit looks less certain, however.

City are in the middle of a managerial change, with Enzo Maresca set to take over from the departing Pep Guardiola, and they are yet to make a formal approach.

What Happens Next

Atalanta hold the cards. With a returning loanee they rate at 50 million euros, a player itching to move, and three serious bidders circling, La Dea can afford to let the market come to them.

Inter look best placed for now, particularly if the Dumfries sale goes through, but a Premier League curveball is never far away when this much money is in play.

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