Chelsea consider move for Atalanta’s Italy-Nigeria defender Honest Ahanor

Italy-Nigeria defender Honest Ahanor has been linked with a move from Atalanta to Chelsea, with the 18-year-old centre-back emerging as a potential target for the Premier League club.

Ahanor joined Atalanta from Genoa in July 2025 in a deal worth €16m and is under contract with the Serie A side until 30 June 2028. His current market value is listed at €30m.

The left-footed defender has not yet made an appearance for Atalanta in the 2026-27 campaign, with the club having played one match in both Serie A and Conference League qualifying. He remains part of a squad that has yet to use him in either competition this season.

Ahanor came through Genoa’s academy and was promoted to the club’s senior set-up before his move to Atalanta. He also won the Italian Under-18 championship with Genoa in the 2023-24 season.

The reported interest would represent a potential move from Serie A to the Premier League, although there is no indication that an agreement has been reached between Chelsea and Atalanta. Ahanor’s existing contract gives the Italian club a further two years of control over his future.