Chelsea set to sign Nigerian star – “Personal terms agreed”

Xabi Alonso, Head Coach of Chelsea. Copyright: ImagoxAllstarxPicturexLibraryxLtdx

English Premier League giants Chelsea are set to complete the signing of Nigeria-eligible defender Honest Ahanor, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Ahanor’s name has been a constant feature in transfer discussions over the past year. He rose through the ranks at Genoa before joining Atalanta in a deal worth €16 million in 2025.

​At just 18, he was a regular in the squad last season, making 35 appearances, including nine in the UEFA Champions League.

​Over the past year, Ahanor has been linked with almost every top club in Europe. Most of the interest has come from the Premier League, with sides like Brighton, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, and Brentford keen on the 18-year-old.

​Speculation had been relatively quiet this summer until last week, when news broke that Chelsea were looking to strike a deal.

​Now, the transfer appears imminent, with transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Blues have reached an agreement with Atalanta.

Soccer ​Details of Ahanor’s Transfer to Chelsea

​The transfer of Ahanor to Chelsea is expected to be completed in the coming days, with Romano reporting that personal terms have been agreed and talks are at an advanced stage.

🚨🔵 Chelsea are in advanced talks over €40m deal for Honest Ahanor from Atalanta.

Understand the agreement for 18 year old defender would include joining a Premier League club this summer in order to develop and then join #CFC in June 2027.

Honest already said yes to Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/rrNIdm7pTx

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 26, 2026

​The deal will cost the Blues €40 million, though it remains to be seen whether add-ons or a sell-on clause will be included. This is solid business for the London big boys, considering Ahanor is valued at €30 million on Transfermarkt and still has two years left on his Atalanta contract.

​Ahanor is comfortable with the ball at his feet, technically sound, strong in the air, and boasts an impressive physical presence.

​However, if the deal goes through, the youngster will not link up with the Blues immediately. The plan is to send him out on loan to another Premier League club, where he can gain more first-team experience and continue his development.

​Ahanor currently represents Italy at youth level, but he remains eligible to play for Nigeria. Born to Nigerian parents, he can still don the green and white as long as he does not make a competitive senior appearance for Italy.

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
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