Chelsea are closing in on a €40m deal to sign Nigerian-born Atalanta defensive starlet Honest Ahanor
Chelsea are closing in on a €40m deal to sign Nigerian-born Atalanta defensive starlet Honest Ahanor
Chelsea are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor, with negotiations said to be progressing rapidly.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, citing Sky Sport Italia, Chelsea have made significant progress in their pursuit of the highly rated Italy youth international. Direct talks between Chelsea and Atalanta have advanced, while personal terms are reportedly being finalised. The proposed deal is understood to be worth around €40 million, which would represent a significant profit for Atalanta.
The Italian club signed Ahanor from Genoa last summer for an initial €16 million, with a further €4 million available in add-ons. Atalanta had reportedly been seeking as much as €60 million for the defender, while Brighton previously had a €34 million offer rejected.
The potential transfer would also strengthen the growing relationship between Chelsea and Atalanta. Chelsea have already completed the signing of Marco Palestra from the Serie A club this summer, and the London side have continued to monitor young talent emerging from Bergamo.
Ahanor, born in February 2008, enjoyed a rapid rise last season, making 28 Serie A appearances during his debut campaign with Atalanta. Despite his age, he established himself as a regular starter and impressed with his maturity and defensive performances.
He also gained valuable European experience by featuring in the Champions League, further increasing his profile among leading clubs across Europe. If completed, the move would continue Chelsea's strategy of recruiting highly rated young players with significant long-term potential. Ahanor could become the latest teenage prospect brought to Stamford Bridge as the club continues to build for the future.
- Linda Ikeji's Blog Original article
