Chelsea are keeping a close eye on Atalanta centre-back Honest Ahanor

Chelsea are keeping a close eye on Atalanta’s highly-rated centre-back Honest Ahanor over his potential move to Stamford Bridge, according to reports TEAMtalk.

Ahanor, valued at £17 million by Transfer marketpassed through the ranks of the academy of Genoa, play in the Under 17, Under 18 and Primavera teams.

At 16 years, seven months and five days, he became Il Grifone’s seventh-youngest debutant in history after starting on the left wing in the 3-0 defeat to Juventus on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Five more appearances were enough for Atalanta to reach double figures to sign him, and that decision has proven to be a masterstroke as his performances in Serie A and the Champions League have attracted the attention of several clubs.

One of the clubs Ahonor is now monitoring is Chelsea, he said TEAMtalkwho claims the club are keeping a close eye on the Italian-born centre-back ahead of a move to Stamford Bridge.

The report adds that West London first scouted the versatile Nigerian when he was on the books of Genoa’s academy, and they are now looking to land him in 2026.

Expectation

However, the Blues face stiff competition for his signature from Premier League rivals Manchester City, who are keen to sign him. At the same time, Manchester United, Tottenham, Newcastle United, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig have also shown interest in the 17-year-old.

Last month, Chelsea agreed an agreement in principle for the transfer of highly rated Colombian central defender Deinner Ordóñez from Independiente del Valle, who will join when he turns 18 in 2028.

The already established centre-backs in the squad also include Aaron Anselmino and Mamadou Sarr, who will both join the team next season after completing their loan spells at Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg respectively, meaning the club is well stocked with exciting centre-back prospects.

However, Maresca could use more experience in his squad, especially in the backline, and the club should instead consider signing an established defender rather than bringing in another youngster who will likely need time to settle down.