Chelsea are in advanced negotiations to sign Honest Ahanor, the 18-year-old Italy-born Nigerian defender currently at Atalanta, in a deal understood to be worth €40 million.

The news was reported by Fabrizio Romano, the Italian journalist and widely recognised European transfer expert, who confirmed on his X account that the two clubs are deep in talks over the move.

According to Romano, the proposed agreement would see Ahanor initially join another Premier League club this summer to continue his development, before formally moving to Chelsea in June 2027.

Romano also confirmed that Ahanor himself has already given his personal approval to the transfer, signalling a clear intention from the player to make the move to Stamford Bridge.

Ahanor, who is eligible to represent Nigeria internationally despite being born in Italy, is considered one of the most promising young defenders in Serie A. His potential move to the Premier League will be closely watched by Nigerian football fans eager to see another talent from the country reach the summit of European football.