Inter are monitoring Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, with a potential move hinging on the future of current Inter player Denzel Dumfries, according to reports in Italy. The 21-year-old Palestra recently indicated his ambition to join a ‘big club’ in an interview with DAZN, suggesting he feels ready to take the next step in his career.
Palestra has emerged as one of the standout right-backs in Serie A this season, attracting attention for his performances and potential with the Italian national team. While Atalanta have been a consistent presence in the upper echelons of Italian football, their potential absence from European competition next season could spur Palestra to seek opportunities elsewhere. He previously developed well at Cagliari before moving to Atalanta.
Inter are planning for a significant overhaul of their squad in the summer transfer window, with several players potentially departing. The club, led by Marotta and Ausilio, have identified a number of targets across various positions, including Guglielmo Vicario in goal, Tarik Muharemovic in defence, and midfielders Manu Koné, Aleksandar Stankovic, and Curtis Jones. Moussa Diaby and Nico Paz are also reportedly on their list of targets.
However, a move for Palestra is currently contingent on the departure of Dumfries, who has a release clause of €25 million valid until the end of July each year. Despite strong performances against Barcelona at the end of last season, Dumfries did not attract concrete offers last summer, but has since changed agents and is reportedly keen on a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool having shown interest in January. Should Dumfries leave, the funds generated, alongside potential sales of Luis Henrique and potentially even Diouf, would provide Inter with the financial resources to pursue Palestra, who Atalanta value around €40 million.
The Nerazzurri may need to offload multiple players to fund a move for the Italian international, potentially utilizing a ‘2x1’ formula – two departures to facilitate two significant signings. While Inter admire Palestra, securing his services will require a complex operation involving player sales and careful financial planning. His arrival would provide competition and potentially long-term stability in a position that could be weakened by Dumfries’s exit.
