Arsenal are facing a critical decision this summer as they intensify their interest in Atalanta’s highly-rated young right-back Marco Palestra, with reports suggesting the Gunners must act decisively or risk losing out to Premier League rivals.
According to Italian outlet Tuttosport, Arsenal have been closely monitoring the 21-year-old’s performances throughout the season. Palestra is expected to be available for around €50 million (£44 million) when he returns from his loan spell at Cagliari, where Atalanta plan to hold an “auction” for the defender at the end of the campaign. Interest in the Italian international is understood to be very high, with Newcastle and Liverpool also among the clubs circling the talented prospect.
Atalanta are reportedly resigned to losing the player and will sanction a departure if their €50m valuation is met. For Arsenal, the situation carries added urgency.
Forget Ben White — Arsenal are FORCED to splash £44M or WATCH their rival STEAL the deal!
While Mikel Arteta currently boasts solid depth in the full-back positions, the long-term picture at right-back is far less secure. Ben White, 28, has endured repeated injury setbacks over the past two seasons and is now entering the final two years of his contract. Doubts over his long-term future at the Emirates have prompted Arsenal to identify potential successors — and Palestra has emerged as a prime candidate.
The Italian came through Atalanta’s renowned youth academy and made his senior debut in December 2023 against Rakow in the Europa League. He went on to feature 16 times for the Bergamo side before being loaned out to Cagliari last summer in search of regular first-team minutes.
This season has seen Palestra flourish. The 21-year-old has made 30 appearances across all competitions for the Sardinian club, establishing himself as a regular starter. Notably, he has been predominantly deployed as a wing-back under Cagliari boss Fabio Pisacane, showcasing his versatility, attacking thrust, and ability to contribute in a more advanced role — attributes that would align well with Arteta’s possession-dominant, high-pressing system.
On the left flank, Arsenal already possess impressive options in Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapie, and the promising Myles Lewis-Skelly. However, the right side remains more vulnerable should White’s availability become an issue. With Liverpool and Newcastle also monitoring Palestra closely, Arsenal cannot afford to hesitate. Allowing a direct rival to secure the signature of such a high-potential talent would represent a significant strategic setback.
At €50m, the fee represents a substantial investment for a player who has yet to establish himself as a regular in a top Serie A side. Yet in the current market, where elite young full-backs with international pedigree command premium prices, the valuation is not unreasonable. Palestra offers youth, upside, and the physical and technical profile to develop into a long-term starter at the highest level.
Arsenal’s recruitment strategy under Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta has consistently focused on securing high-ceiling talents before they become unaffordable or unattainable. Palestra fits that mould perfectly. The question now is whether the club will back that philosophy with decisive action this summer — or watch on as a Premier League competitor pounces on a deal that could prove transformative for the right-back position in the years ahead.
Failure to move swiftly could leave Arsenal scrambling for alternatives, potentially at a higher cost or with lower upside. With the “auction” looming, the message is clear: pay the £44m asking price, or prepare to see a rival strengthen their squad at Arsenal’s expense.