Key Takeaways:
- On Tuesday, Inter reportedly prepared to raise their bid for Italy international Marco Palestra as Atalanta stood firm on their valuation
- Atalanta are said to be seeking €53m-€55m for Palestra and remain unwilling to accept player-plus-cash deals
- Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso is under consideration by Inter as an alternative if the Palestra transfer collapses
Negotiations for Palestra Intensify
Inter are seeking to secure the services of 21-year-old Marco Palestra, identified as their preferred replacement for Denzel Dumfries after Real Madrid triggered Dumfries’ release clause. Palestra showcased his abilities during the 2025-26 campaign on loan at Cagliari and gained further recognition with his Italy national team debut, although the side failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Atalanta have maintained a rigid stance in valuing Palestra at €50m, but new reports on Tuesday indicate the Lombardy club could demand a higher sum, estimated between €53m and €55m. Despite discussions, Atalanta have rejected the possibility of a player-plus-cash exchange, even after Inter proposed including youngster Matteo Cocchi in the deal.
🚨 There will be no developments regarding Palestra until Inter come forward with the offer that Atalanta are asking for. Atalanta have not moved from that demand, and they have communicated it to the Nerazzurri: €50m plus €5–6 million in bonuses, with no player exchanges… pic.twitter.com/YM1BivPiCR
— INTER TRANSFERS (@EnjoyInter) June 9, 2026
Inter’s Latest Offer and Ownership Position
Concerns had been raised regarding Oaktree, Inter’s ownership group, and their readiness to improve the club’s previous proposal of €40m plus bonuses for Palestra. However, according to the latest from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter are set to present an enhanced bid of €45m together with add-ons in an attempt to break the deadlock.
Cambiaso Eyed as Contingency Plan
With uncertainty surrounding the Palestra negotiations, reports from SportItalia have suggested that Inter could turn their attention to Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus. Should the pursuit of Palestra fail, Inter would allegedly be willing to offer Davide Frattesi or Carlos Augusto as part of a player-plus-cash agreement to secure Cambiaso’s signature from their historic rivals.
