Headline: Chelsea Set to Acquire Honest Ahanor from Atalanta, Loan Move Likely
Serie A club Atalanta is on the verge of losing Honest Ahanor to Chelsea, though the young player might not join the Blues’ first team immediately.
According to Get Italian Football News, Chelsea has been making progress in securing a deal for the Italian defender, having already engaged in discussions with Atalanta regarding a transfer. The London club is reportedly nearing Atalanta’s asking price.
Advertisement
As per Tuttomercatoweb, negotiations for the transfer are accelerating, with a deal anticipated to be finalized within hours. Chelsea is expected to offer over €40 million, which includes bonuses.
However, Ahanor may not be immediately integrated into the Chelsea squad.
The club is contemplating a loan arrangement to another Premier League team to enhance his development while reducing immediate pressure and ensuring more playing time. Chelsea’s current defense is notably robust.
This approach seems prudent, as Ahanor demonstrated some physical limitations during Champions League games last season.
Securing a loan to another Premier League side would likely benefit Ahanor more than having him remain with Atalanta for another year.
Serie A side Atalanta are now expected to lose Honest Ahanor to Chelsea but the player may not end up playing for the Blues immediately.
Get Italian Football News have covered how the Blues have been advancing in a move for the Italian. They held talks with Atalanta about a move already, with the London club coming close to their valuation.
Advertisement
Tuttomercatoweb now report that a move is indeed gathering pace. It could be completed in the next few hours, with Chelsea expected to pay a figure of over €40 million including bonuses.
Ahanor, however, may not immediately play for the Blues.
They are considering loaning out the teenager to another Premier League club to further his development in England. This is to make sure he develops with less pressure and gets more game time, as Chelsea have their backline full.
The choice is rather sensible. Ahanor currently appears to be a bit lacking from a physical standpoint and this was somewhat clear during Champions League games last season.
A move to another Premier League side will come in handy and it would be better than keeping him at Atalanta for another season.
Kaustubh Pandey – GIFN
[/gpt3]