Chelsea close in on Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor in €40m deal

Chelsea are nearing an agreement with Atalanta to sign young Italy defender Honest Ahanor for an estimated €40m during the summer transfer window.

Sky Sport Italia reports that direct negotiations between the two clubs have made significant progress in recent hours. The remaining work involves finalising the contract and agreeing personal terms with the 18-year-old player.

The proposed fee would further strengthen the growing transfer relationship between Chelsea and Atalanta. The Premier League club have already signed Marco Balestra from the Italian side during the current summer window.

Atalanta are also set to make a substantial profit on Ahanor, having signed him from Genoa last summer for €16m, with a further €4m potentially payable in add-ons.

The expected offer from Chelsea is below the €60m figure reported in Italy as Atalanta’s asking price for the defender. However, it would still represent an improvement on Brighton’s earlier proposal of €34m, which was rejected by the Serie A club.

Ahanor is regarded as one of Italy’s most promising young players. He made 28 Serie A appearances in his first season with Atalanta and also featured in the UEFA Champions League.

Primarily a centre-back, Ahanor can also operate at left-back, giving him versatility across the defensive line. He remains under contract with Atalanta until the summer of 2028.

The defender, who is of Nigerian heritage, made his senior Italy debut during the international break in June and has won two caps for the national team.

Chelsea’s interest comes as the club continue to strengthen their squad with young talent. Ahanor’s age, experience in Serie A and exposure to European competition have made him an attractive target, while the developing link between Chelsea and Atalanta has helped facilitate negotiations.

The deal has not yet been completed, with final contractual details and personal terms still to be settled. However, the progress made in talks means Ahanor is edging closer to a move to Stamford Bridge.

Should the transfer go through at the reported figure, Atalanta would secure a significant return on a player signed from Genoa only one year ago. Chelsea, meanwhile, would beat Brighton to the defender after the English club’s €34m bid was turned down earlier in the window.