Barcelona scout Italy full-back Marco Palestra as summer plans take shape

Barcelona have scouted Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra as they begin to formulate their defensive recruitment plans for the 2026 summer transfer window. According to reports from Nicolo Schira, confirmed by MD, the Catalan club recently watched the 21-year-old, who is currently on loan at Serie A side Cagliari. Palestra has emerged as a potential target should Barcelona fail to secure a permanent deal for current loanee Joao Cancelo.

Barcelona's primary defensive target remains Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni, with the club reportedly confident about their chances of landing the Italian centre-back. However, the potential departure of Cancelo would leave a significant void at right-back, where Jules Kounde would be the only natural option. This has prompted the club's recruitment team to identify alternative targets, with Palestra's profile fitting their preference for versatile, young talent.

Marco Palestra, who made his senior debut for Italy during the recent international break, is predominantly a right-back but has also featured on the left. His ability to operate on both flanks is seen as a valuable asset. The defender is considered one of Italy's most promising full-backs, having progressed through Atalanta's academy before gaining regular first-team experience at Cagliari.

Any move for Palestra would not be straightforward. Reports indicate that Liverpool and Inter Milan are also keen, with Inter said to be preparing a bid in the region of €35 million. Interestingly, Inter's pursuit could be indirectly funded by Barcelona if they succeed in signing Bastoni from the Nerazzurri, creating a complex transfer dynamic between the two clubs.

Barcelona's financial situation remains a pivotal factor in all their summer business. The club's hierarchy is also prioritizing a new centre-back and a striker, while monitoring the situation of Manchester United's Marcus Rashford. As a result, a significant sale would likely be required to finance a move for a player of Palestra's rising value, unless the deal is structured creatively. For now, the scouting mission represents due diligence as Barcelona map out multiple scenarios for their defensive rebuild.