Xabi Alonso sits in press conference ahead of Chelsea's Carabao Cup tie against Luton
Chelsea are closing in on the capture of a second Atalanta defender after agreeing a deal to sign Honest Ahanor, talkSPORT understands.
The Blues are set to reunite the 18-year-old Italian with their new right-back Marco Palestra, who arrived from the Serie A side in July.
Honest Ahanor of Atalanta BC looks on during the serie Serie A Enilive match between SS Lazio and Atalanta BC at Olimpico on February 14, 2026 in Rome, Italy3
Honest Ahanor of Atalanta BC looks on during the serie Serie A Enilive match between SS Lazio and Atalanta BC at Olimpico on February 14, 2026 in Rome, Italy
Ahanor made 28 league appearances for Atalanta in his maiden campaign at the club, having joined from Genoa last summer.
Chelsea agree £40m Honest Ahanor transfer
He now looks to be on the move for a second successive summer, after Chelsea reportedly struck a deal in the region of £40million.
Ahanor has been given permission to travel for a medical and complete a move to Stamford Bridge.
The report adds that personal terms are already in place on a long-term contract for the two-cap Italy international. It remains to be seen what Chelsea's long-term thinking for the player is.
Who is Honest Ahanor?
Atalanta's No.69 came through Genoa’s academy and rose through the ranks to make six appearances for Il Grifone's first-team.
The versatile defender quickly established himself at his new club following his arrival last summer, having made 18 starts across his 35 appearances in the 2025/26 campaign.
Ahanor, who has primarily been used as the left-sided defender in a back three, can also play at left-back and across the midfield.
Atalanta's sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli confirmed earlier this week that the club would ‘evaluate’ any proposals they received in the final few days of the window when asked about Ahanor's future.
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"Right now, there’s a week to go [until the transfer window closes]," he said during Atalanta’s press conference to unveil Eljif Elmas on Tuesday.
"I won’t deny that we have some players who are attracting strong interest, but no offers have arrived. We’ll evaluate them if they arrive."
Adil Aouchiche of FC Schalke 04 and Honest Ahanor of Atalanta BC compete for the ball during the pre-season friendly match between FC Schalke 04 and Atalanta BC at Veltins-Arena on August 8, 2026 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany3
Adil Aouchiche of FC Schalke 04 and Honest Ahanor of Atalanta BC compete for the ball during the pre-season friendly match between FC Schalke 04 and Atalanta BC at Veltins-Arena on August 8, 2026 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Chelsea transfers
Ahanor now seems destined to become part of Xabi Alonso's defensive overhaul at Chelsea, which begun with Palestra's arrival.
In addition to the Atalanta duo, the Blues have also signed Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace and Pep Chavarria from Rayo Vallecano.
talkSPORT understands Chelsea are in talks with Aston Villa over Emiliano Martinez, who is available for as little as £8.6m.
Eslewhere, the club have already added Morgan Rogers, Geovany Quenda, Valentin Barco, Emmanuel Emegha, Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck to their extensive first-team options.
Morgan Rogers of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Fulham and Chelsea FC at Craven Cottage on August 24, 2026 in London, England3
Morgan Rogers of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Fulham and Chelsea FC at Craven Cottage on August 24, 2026 in London, England