It is only February, but Chelsea continue to be linked with new signings ahead of the summer window, and the latest is Atalanta teenager Honest Ahanor, Italy’s next Paolo Maldini.
The centre-back situation at Chelsea is a complex one. Liam Rosenior has so many options in the middle of the Blues defence and yet, Chelsea lack the experience required in the middle or Rosenior’s back line.
Currently, Rosenior has Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, Tosin, Wesley Fofana, Mamadou Sarr, Josh Acheampong, and injured Levi Colwill. Axel Disasi and Aaron Anselmino are still at Chelsea, out on loan.
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It is claimed that Chelsea are open to selling Chalobah, Tosin and Badiashile in the summer while Disasi’s future at Chelsea is likely to be over. Despite the numbers, Chelsea want defenders and Ahanor is a target.
Chelsea want Atalanta teenager Honest Ahanor
According to a report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are among a handful of Premier League clubs eyeing Atalanta teen Ahanor. The left-footed centre-back, at just 18, has played 25 times for Atalanta this term.
Honest Ahanor.
Photo by Emanuele Comincini/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Man City and Arsenal are preparing bids believed to be in the region of £30m to sign Ahanor. Chelsea meanwhile, see Ahanor as a long-term signing and are believed to favour a structured deal for Ahanor.
Indeed, the report suggests Ahanor may go out on loan, whether that is remaining at Atalanta but joining Chelsea or moving to Stamford Bridge and then being sent to Strasbourg, is unclear. Chelsea are keen.
Ahanor dreams of the Premier League, he idolises Maldini
He might have only played a handful of matches at senior level for Atalanta and Genoa, but Ahanor is already drawing comparisons with Maldini given he is a left-footed centre-back, able to play left-back.
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Some have even described him as the ‘next Maldini’, while Italian outlet Il Messaggero claim Ahanor actually ‘idolises’ the AC Milan and Italy legend. That, and Ahanor dreams of a move to England.
But Atalanta’s stance is clear, he is untouchable. The Serie A side, who knocked Dortmund out of the Champions League on Wednesday night, are desperate to keep Ahanor for at least one more season.
That may suit Chelsea over Man City and Arsenal, given they are willing to do a deal that includes an immediate return to Atalanta on loan for a season. One to watch, but Ahanor has enormous potential.
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