Italy have a history of producing top defenders. Atalanta might have the next one on their hands. How long will he remain at the club, though? That is a question that we are already asking ourselves, especially since it has emerged that [Chelsea](https://theprideoflondon.com/chelsea-hold-talks-over-signing-former-manchester-city-player) have an eye on him and could make a bid in the region of €60 million.
At 17 years of age, most players are lucky to make their first-team debut. Honest Ahanor is not just another youngster, though. He has already played Serie A football for two different clubs and has four appearances in the Champions League to his name as well.
Ahanor came through the youth ranks at Genoa and played senior football for them, before his move to Atalanta. He is already starting at centre-back for La Dea, and the sky seems to be the limit for the 17-year-old defender.
Unsurprisingly, that has caught the attention of top clubs around Europe. One of them is Chelsea, who might be ready to push ahead with a move for the wonderkid.
As reported by [CaughtOffside](https://www.caughtoffside.com/2025/12/23/sources-chelsea-man-united-impressed-centre-back/), Chelsea could be prepared to test Atalanta’s resolve with a bid in the region of €60 million for Ahanor. Manchester United and Arsenal continue to monitor his development as well.
Many Chelsea fans won't agree with the idea of going out and making a bid in the region of €60m for a 17-year-old centre-back, no matter how highly he is regarded. You can never guess how well someone will adjust to a jump up in level.
Jorrel Hato is a great example of that. At 19 years of age, he had already made 111 appearances for a club like Ajax. But at Chelsea, he has completely looked out of his depth and he might need a loan spell away to find his feet in the English game altogether before he can even think of starting for the Blues.
Then there is the case of too many cooks spoiling the broth. Aaron Anselmino is already doing well at Borussia Dortmund. Then they have Mamadou Sarr, who is captaining Strasbourg at 20 years of age and recently made his full international debut for Senegal. How many top young centre-backs do Chelsea need at the same time?
If Chelsea do have around €60m to invest in a centre-back, it should be on a proven one who is either already world-class or knocking on that door. But then again, considering how stubbornly this new ownership have stuck to their transfer policy, it would be no surprise if they do go out and sign Ahanor instead.