Thursday, August 27, 2026 - 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.
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