Chelsea are closing in on signing Atalanta’s Honest Ahanor in the final days of the summer window.
Two days ago, Sport Witness covered a report from Italy explaining that Chelsea made a late contact to sign the 18-year-old. La Dea are willing to let the defender leave if there’s a convincing offer.
The Premier League side have already signed Marco Palestra earlier this summer and have returned for another player.
On Wednesday, Atalanta sporting director Cristiano Guintoli said his side will evaluate offers for Ahanor.
Chelsea take transfer action
Journalist Gianluca Di Marzio states the Blues are now closing in on a deal for the centre-back.
Atalanta have set a price over €40m for the youngster and the two clubs continue to hold talks.
In fact, the negotiations have now entered the final stages for Xabi Alonso’s side to reach an agreement.
Second source backs up Chelsea verge of signing
Sport Mediaset are also reports Chelsea are closing in on the young defender and are ‘one step away’ from reaching an agreement.
The discussions between the two clubs are at an advanced stage and Chelsea can strike a deal for around €40m.
Calciomercato states the English club are pressing to sign Honest Ahanor with a ‘very significant offer’, without mentioning a figure.
The Italian club are working on strengthening their squad in the final days of the window. The young defender’s sale for a convincing fee can allow them to reinvest those funds to improve Maurizio Sarri’s squad.
None of these reports mentions the player’s preference of moving to Stamford Bridge. That may not be an issue as there seems to be optimism of Chelsea completing this deal.
Last summer, the Serie A side signed Ahanor Genoa, and he has been a regular in his debut season. Operating as a centre-back, the Italy international played 1,902 minutes from 35 matches for Atalanta.
Key transfer points
- Two days ago, PL side made contact to sign the defender
- Blues in advanced negotiations with Atalanta for €40m+ deal
- Chelsea closing in on signing Italy international
- Ahanor one step away from moving to Stamford Bridge
