Chelsea is in talks to sign Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor, with the Italian club prepared to sell the highly rated teenager if their €40 million (£34.3 million) valuation is met.
According to BBC Sport, Chelsea first expressed interest in the 18-year-old during negotiations for the signing of Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra in July.
Ahanor, who primarily operates at left-back, joined Atalanta from Genoa last summer for a reported €16 million, with a further €4 million potentially due in add-ons.
The teenager enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season in Bergamo, making 28 Serie A appearances and establishing himself as a regular starter despite his young age.
He also gained valuable European experience after making his Champions League debut in Atalanta’s 2-1 victory over Club Brugge in September.
His progress has also attracted attention from the Italian national team, with Ahanor receiving a call-up in May for friendly matches against Luxembourg and Greece.
Chelsea’s interest reflects the club’s continued focus on recruiting young players with significant long-term potential.
Manager Xabi Alonso has been reshaping his squad since taking charge at Stamford Bridge in July, with Chelsea already making several major additions.
England midfielder Morgan Rogers arrived from Aston Villa for a club-record £117 million, while experienced Premier League players Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson have also joined the squad.
Ahanor would represent a different type of signing for Chelsea, with the 18-year-old already demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level of Italian football.
However, Chelsea will have to decide whether to meet Atalanta’s €40 million asking price if they want to bring the highly rated defender to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea began their Premier League campaign with a 3-2 victory over Fulham on Monday and will face Brighton at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
For Ahanor, a move to London would represent the latest step in a rapid rise that has taken him from Genoa to a regular role in Serie A and placed him on the radar of the Italian national team.
