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Report: Chelsea could make £52m offer for centre-back who hasn't even turned 18 yet

It does not look like Chelsea have any plans to change their transfer strategy despite their squad lacking experience.

Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over Chelsea, the club’s focus has been on signing young players.

In the summer, the likes of Estevao Willian and Dario Essugo arrived at Stamford Bridge, with the former proving to be a quick success.

Chelsea focusing on youth until the summer 👉️

What do you make of BlueCo's recruitment?

After Deinner Ordoñez, Chelsea will sign Mohamed Zongo (one of the main sensations of the last U17 World Cup).

They are building a SUPERTEAM of WONDERKIDS 🔵✨

— Rising Stars XI (@RisingStarXI) December 10, 2025

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They could now be joined by another talented youngster amid interest in a 17-year-old central defender.

Malo Gusto (L), of Chelsea, is challenged by Honest Ahanor (R), of Atalanta

Photo by Isabella Bonotto/Anadolu via Getty Images

Chelsea could make £52m offer for Atalanta’s Honest Ahanor

Chelsea currently have Atalanta’s Honest Ahanor on their radar and could be prepared to pay big money to sign him.

According to CaughtOffside, there is a possibility that the Blues make a €60m (£52.3m) bid for Ahanor despite the former Genoa man having only joined Atalanta in the summer.

However, Chelsea could face competition for Ahanor’s signature, as other English clubs are also thought to be interested in the player.

CaughtOffside’s report claims that Arsenal and Manchester United are also tracking Ahanor.

Chelsea possess Aaron Anselmino and can recall him from his loan at Borussia Dortmund in January, while Mamadou Sarr is also another young defender on the club’s books. Nevertheless, they still seem to be interested in Ahanor.

Honest Ahanor of Atalanta BC celebrates

Photo by Emanuele Comincini/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Honest Ahanor’s stats this season

Despite being so young, Ahanor has been handed opportunities in the current campaign.

In total, Ahanor has made 13 appearances across all competitions. He has made six starts in Serie A and even managed to chip in with a goal in a Coppa Italia game against his former side Genoa.

At Chelsea, though, Ahanor would surely be one for the future. Enzo Maresca already has Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo and Josh Acheampong.

Chelsea need to make room before they can sign another centre-back. Who are you getting rid of?

Levi Colwill is definitely untouchable ❌

Chelsea’s list of first-team centre-backs

Levi Colwill

Wesley Fofana

Trevoh Chalobah

Benoit Badiashile

Tosin Adarabioyo

Josh Acheampong

Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's goal with teammate Wesley Fofana

Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

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When he is fit again, Levi Colwill will also be another option for Maresca to call upon. Ultimately, if Ahanor does end up joining Chelsea, it could be a while before he gets to play at Stamford Bridge.

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