Chelsea close in on £40m move for Atalanta teenager Honest Ahanor

Chelsea are nearing the signing of 18-year-old defender Honest Ahanor after reaching a verbal agreement with Atalanta over a deal worth about £40m.

The transfer, which includes bonuses and additional elements, is expected to move into its final stages shortly, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Although the broad terms have been settled, a number of details still need to be resolved before the move can be completed.

The two clubs are already preparing the necessary documentation, while the administrative process is also under way. That includes arrangements relating to Ahanor’s travel authorisation.

Unless there is an unexpected complication, the teenager is expected to travel to London soon to continue the formalities surrounding his proposed move to Chelsea.

Ahanor, who is of Nigerian origin, is viewed as a defender with significant potential. He remains under contract with Atalanta until June 2028, but Chelsea are prepared to invest considerably more than his current estimated market value.

Transfermarkt values Ahanor at €30m, below the approximately €47m that Chelsea’s proposed package is expected to reach when bonuses and other additions are included. The reported transfer fee is around £40m.

Ahanor currently earns an annual salary of €930,000 in Italy, equivalent to 609,550,410 FCFA.

The potential move would add another young player to Chelsea’s squad, although the transfer has not yet been formally completed. The remaining discussions between Chelsea and Atalanta are expected to determine the final terms before the documentation can be signed and the deal officially confirmed.

Chelsea are also preparing for their second match of the English league season, when they will face Brighton. The fixture is scheduled to take place as the London club continues its domestic campaign.

The betting company 1xbet lists Chelsea as the favourites for that match, offering odds of 2.00 for a Chelsea victory. A draw is priced at 3.75, while Brighton are listed at 3.60 to win.

Those prices reflect the bookmaker’s assessment of the fixture rather than any confirmation of the transfer. Chelsea’s immediate focus remains the match against Brighton, while the club works to complete the final steps of its pursuit of Ahanor.

The agreement with Atalanta is verbal at this stage, meaning the transfer remains subject to the completion of the outstanding details and administrative procedures. However, with documents already being prepared and travel arrangements being addressed, Ahanor’s move to London appears to be approaching its conclusion.