Chelsea in talks to sign Atalanta defender Ahanor
Chelsea are in talks to sign Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor, with the Italian club prepared to sell if their €40m (£34.3m) valuation is met. The potential move would continue Chelsea’s squad rebuild under Xabi Alonso and add a young, increasingly established left-sided defender.
Ahanor, 18, made 28 Serie A appearances for Atalanta last season and played in the Champions League, having joined from Genoa for €16m plus potential add-ons. Atalanta previously rejected a €34m (£29m) offer from Brighton, while Chelsea’s interest emerged during their July deal for right-back Marco Palestra.
In short
- Chelsea are discussing a deal for Atalanta’s Honest Ahanor.
- Atalanta want €40m for the 18-year-old defender.
- Brighton previously had a €34m bid rejected.
Explained simply
Chelsea are a London football club that compete in the Premier League, England’s top division. Atalanta are based in Bergamo and play in Italy’s Serie A; both clubs also compete in European football.
Honest Ahanor is an Italian defender who plays mainly on the left side of defence. At 18, he has already featured regularly for Atalanta in Serie A and played in the Champions League.
Chelsea are rebuilding their squad under head coach Xabi Alonso. Ahanor’s age and experience at club and European level help explain why he has attracted interest from other teams.