Atalanta sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli confirms talks with Chelsea for Honest Ahanor.
Earlier this summer, the Premier League side signed Marco Palestra from La Dea and are raiding them again for the 18-year-old.
On Thursday, we relayed news Chelsea are a step away from signing the centre-back.
Later that day, Sport Witness covered a report from Italy explaining that the Blues plan to send him on loan to another Premier League side.
Chelsea closing in on signing
On Thursday, the Italian club beat Hapoel Tel Aviv 1-0 in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers.
Prior to that match, Cristiano Giuntoli spoke to Sky Italia to discuss a few topics, including Chelsea’s interest in Honest Ahanor. Gianluca Di Marzio has relayed his comments.
The official admits Friday is likely to be crucial in the London club’s pursuit of the young defender.
“Ahanor? We’re talking to Chelsea; tomorrow could be a very important day,” he said.
Player to say goodbye before Chelsea move
L’Eco di Bergamo, a newspaper local to Atalanta, also states Honest Ahanor is close to joining the Blues.
The Italy international has an agreement in place with the English club for personal terms.
Xabi Alonso’s side are offering around €48m, with €45m in fixed fee. The operation is at an advanced, with parties sorting out the final details.
The Serie A side paid Genoa €20m to sign the defender in July 2025 and are now in for a huge capital gain from his impending sale.
Tutto Atalanta also cover the ‘extraordinary capital gain’ when discussing Ahanor’s farewell.
He will say goodbye to Zingonia [Atalanta’s training centre] to join Chelsea in the ‘next few hours’.
The funds raised from his sale will allow Maurizio Sarri’s side to reinvest in strengthening their squad before Tuesday’s deadline.
Ahanor played 1,902 minutes from 35 matches in his debut season for Atalanta.
Key transfer points
- Chelsea recently made contact for this operation
- On Thursday, PL side were a step away from signing the defender
- Giuntoli confirms talks with Blues, Friday key for operation
- Ahanor to bid farewell to Atalanta soon
