Inter Milan’s pursuit of Atalanta wing-back Marco Palestra has accelerated materially, with the 22-year-old’s agent now in Milan for talks and a €50m deal framework emerging, with young defender Mattia Cocchi potentially included as a makeweight.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInter1908, Palestra’s agent has arrived in Milan as both clubs seek to close the gap between Inter’s current offer and Atalanta’s asking price, with €50m identified as the figure La Dea require to sanction a sale.

Indeed, the story has been building for months. Palestra emerged as Inter’s primary right flank target following a standout loan at Cagliari, where he was named Serie A Defender of the Season 2025-26, contributing one goal and four assists from wing-back while earning his first Italy cap in March.

Furthermore, the Nerazzurri’s interest is directly tied to the expected departure of Denzel Dumfries, whose release clause sits in the €20m-25m range. Luis Henrique is also expected to move on, leaving the right wing-back berth effectively vacant from day one of next season.

Speaking from Italy’s Coverciano training base, Palestra said publicly that he felt “ready” to join a big club for 2026-27 – a comment Italian outlets immediately framed in the context of Inter’s declared intent to go all-in on the deal.

Atalanta Hold Firm At €50m As Inter’s Agent Talks Signal Closing Phase

Inter have tabled an opening offer of €40m plus €5m in bonuses, which Atalanta have rejected as insufficient. The Bergamo club are holding out for a straight €50m package and have made their position clear to the Nerazzurri’s hierarchy.

Oaktree have sanctioned one major signing in the €40m-50m range this window, with Palestra explicitly identified as the number one target within that framework. The agent’s arrival in Milan suggests Inter are now willing to move closer to La Dea’s valuation.

The possible inclusion of Mattia Cocchi as a counterpart is a notable structural detail. Inter have shown willingness this summer to use young assets as makeweights in negotiations, and Cocchi’s involvement could help bridge the remaining cash gap without breaching Oaktree’s spending ceiling.

Liverpool are specifically mentioned among the Premier League clubs monitoring the situation – a detail Atalanta’s negotiators will not be ignoring.

Therefore, Inter’s second formal offer, expected imminently, will be the defining moment. Any further delay risks triggering a competing bid from England that forces Atalanta to choose between a domestic sale and a richer offer from across the Channel.

The right flank for 2026-27 needs an answer. Dumfries is leaving. Palestra wants a big club. The agent is in Milan. Inter know the number.