Chelsea agree £40m deal for Atalanta defender Ahanor

Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign 18-year-old Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor for a fee of up to £40 million. The Italian teenager has received clearance to undergo a medical examination in London and has also agreed to the personal terms of the deal. Chelsea initially showed interest in Ahanor when they signed right-back Marco Palestra from the Serie A club in July.

It is uncertain whether the club will include the young defender in the plans of new manager Xabi Alonso. Ahanor's representatives have stated that he may immediately move on loan to another Premier League club. Ahanor primarily plays as a left-back for Atalanta but joined the Italian side from Genoa on a three-year contract last summer for a reported fee of €16 million, with an additional €4 million in add-ons.

During the 2021-22 Serie A season, Ahanor made 28 appearances for Atalanta, consistently featuring as a starter. He also had his debut in the UEFA Champions League, contributing to a 2-1 victory against Club Brugge in September. In May, Ahanor was called up by Italy to participate in friendly matches against Luxembourg and Greece.

Chelsea's current manager, Alonso, has been actively expanding the squad since his arrival in July. The club has signed England midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a club-record £117 million, as well as experienced Premier League players Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson. Chelsea are set to face Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday following their opening match win against Fulham on Monday.