Chelsea are poised to complete the signing of Italy right‑back Marco Palestra within 24 hours, according to The Times. To free a roster spot, the Blues may offload promising teenager Malo Gusto to Manchester City. The proposed swap would give City a backup option while clearing space for Palestra’s integration into Thomas Tuchel’s defence.

Palestra, a 21‑year‑old who featured regularly for Italy’s U21 side, offers pace and defensive solidity that Chelsea have lacked since Reece James’s injury. Gusto, despite flashes of talent, has struggled for minutes behind James and Ben Chilwell. Manchester City, still chasing depth after recent injuries, view the 19‑year‑old as a low‑cost reinforcement. Both clubs see the move as aligning with their long‑term recruitment strategies.

If the deal closes, Chelsea will free roughly £8 million in wages and add a technically gifted full‑back ready for a title challenge. City acquire a player familiar with Premier League demands without a large fee. The transaction is expected to be announced before the transfer window shuts on Thursday. The swap also shows Chelsea’s intent to reshuffle its back‑line before the Champions League knockout.