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Manchester City and Arsenal are in the midst of a race for this season’s Premier League title. Today, the two teams meet in a crucial Premier League fixture at the Etihad Stadium that has the potential to be season-defining for both teams. Outside of that, a new report from Italy has emerged that City and Arsenal are potentially set to battle it out this summer to sign Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra. Palestra has shone on loan for Cagliari this season, and his impressive form and overall game have seemingly caught City’s and Arsenal’s attention.
Manchester City and Arsenal are reportedly both reportedly interested in a summer move for Marco Palestra.
Carlo Laudisa has reported for Gazetta that Manchester City and Arsenal have both been impressed by the performances of Marco Palestra for Cagliari this season. It is reported by Laudisa that Italian clubs such as AC Milan, Juventus, and Inter Milan are also interested in signing Palestra. However, it is further reported that the Serie A giants cannot compete with the financial muscle of Manchester City and Arsenal. It now remains to be seen if City or Arsenal pursue a summer move for a player that Carlo Laudisa reports Atalanta do not want to sell.
If City want to sign a young right-back Marco Palestra does fit that profile.
Marco Palestra is the latest right-back to be named as a potential transfer target for Manchester City. The young right-back has impressed for Cagliari this season. In 32 appearances for Cagliari, Palestra has scored one goal and provided four assists. However, those numbers barely scratch the surface of why Palestra has caught Manchester City’s, and Arsenal’s eye.
Playing at right-back for Cagliari, Palestra has shone in possession. Given that Palestra began his career as a midfielder, he is extremely skilled technically. This shines when he is on the ball. Palestra rarely wastes a pass. When Palestra bombs forward from right-back, his crossing into the penalty area is very good. On the ball, Palestra shines, which is a prerequisite skill to play for Manchester City. Palestra is also equally adept with either foot, which makes him a valuable asset for Cagliari and, in turn, Atalanta.
Defensively, Marco Palestra positions himself well and isn’t rash in a challenge. Palestra is a good one-on-one defender in the typical Italian style. He tends to anticipate well defensively, which means he doesn’t lunge into tackles. That is a good trait for a full-back to have. Especially one who could eventually move to the Premier League.
In terms of versatility, Palestra can play in multiple roles at the back. Being two-footed, he can play at left or right-back. Also, Palestra can play at center-back if required. That versatility, coupled with Palestra’s obvious talent, makes him a prospect for City to possibly sign as a right-back.
Final thoughts.
Manchester City and Arsenal have both been credited with an interest in signing 21-year-old right-back Marco Palestra. Palestra is a young right-back with all of the necessary physical and technical traits to one day be a Manchester City player. It remains to be seen if City will move for Palestra this summer, but the young Italian full-back seems to be a player City have an eye on, as do Arsenal.
