CdS: Inter Identify Marco Palestra As “Chosen One” For The Future — Deal Could Start At €40M

Inter’s summer planning is already moving from theory to concrete targets — and Corriere dello Sport claim one name has risen to the very top of Cristian Chivu’s wish-list.

According to the report, Marco Palestra is now viewed internally as a long-term solution for Inter, with both Chivu and club management said to be fully aligned after a recent transfer meeting at the Nerazzurri headquarters.

A move independent of Dumfries?

The key detail from the Corriere dello Sport report is that Inter’s interest in Palestra is no longer being treated as a domino that must wait for Denzel Dumfries.

Earlier expectations suggested Inter would only push if they could cash in — potentially via a clause — but CdS state Inter intend to explore Palestra even without relying on a Dumfries exit.

That does not necessarily mean Dumfries is staying. The Dutch wing-back, now 30, is reportedly preparing to use the World Cup as a major showcase, with clubs monitoring his situation. And with no expectation of another long-term extension down the line, Inter are increasingly thinking ahead.

The price: At least €40M

CdS report that Atalanta’s valuation for Palestra starts around €40 million, and could require creativity to become feasible.

Inter’s route to funding the move could involve departures: Diouf and Luis Henrique are specifically mentioned as sales that could help generate the budget needed to take the deal forward.

Negotiating with Atalanta is rarely straightforward — they are known for holding firm — but CdS suggest a potential opening if the Bergamaschi are without Champions League revenue, making them slightly more willing to sit down at the table.

Inter could also look to structure the operation through add-ons or player counterparts, depending on Atalanta’s stance.

Why Palestra fits Chivu’s Inter

The report describes Inter’s conviction as being based on profile, not hype.

Palestra impressed on loan at Cagliari thanks to:

Athleticism and intensity
1v1 ability to beat opponents
Comfort in a high-demand wing-back role

CdS also highlight a tactical bonus: Palestra is two-footed, meaning he could potentially be used on either flank — including on the left as a rotation option, which would help Chivu manage workloads across a packed season.

“Italian core” a factor for Marotta

There’s also a squad-building logic behind the move.

CdS say Palestra would help reinforce the Italian core inside the dressing room — a theme that President Beppe Marotta reportedly values, particularly with veterans potentially moving on and uncertainty around other Italian pieces.

In that sense, the 2005-born wing-back would be both a present-day reinforcement and a future-facing investment.

What happens next?

For now, it remains a report — but the message is clear: Inter’s admiration is strong, the internal approval is there, and the club are studying how to make the numbers work.

If Inter do decide to move early, Palestra could become one of the defining stories of their summer. Would you be willing to sacrifice Diouf and Henrique for Palestra?

Source: Corriere dello Sport