Chelsea are currently one of the most active suitors in the race for the ‘powerful’ defender and may be prepared to make a huge bid.
Blues told to sign new defender
The Blues are in desperate need of a new centre-back in the upcoming transfer window, with manager Darren Bent suggesting former defender Thiago Silva, who turned 41 in September, could have been a smart addition.
The former striker said: “I played against Thiago Silva when he was in his element. Oh my god, an animal! Brazil vs. England…an animal. He had it all: jumps, speed, strength.
“But now he reads the game very well. If I were Chelsea, I would try to bring him back.”
However, following the Brazilian’s recent move to FC Porto, Bruco are now on the hunt for a young, promising player who is currently being targeted by many of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Caught Offside reports that Chelsea have now emerged as one of the most active candidates in the race to sign Atalanta defender Honest Ahanoglu, with Arsenal, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich also interested in the 17-year-old.
Such is the interest from the Blues that any deal is likely to be expensive, although they may be prepared to bid around €60m (about £52m), as the Italian club values the youngster highly and does not want to cash out too early.
Ahanoglu’s contract currently runs until 2028, so there is no immediate need for Atalanta to sanction a sale, but the defender is highly regarded, especially for his ball-holding abilities.
‘Powerhouse’ Ahanoğlu could be a future star
Back in May, scout Ben Mattinson suggested the teenager could make a big breakthrough this season, while praising his pace and upper-body strength.
Mattinson’s predictions proved correct, with the starlet making 13 appearances in all competitions, including four in the Champions League, and helping his side to a clean sheet win over Marseille in November.
The Aversa-born defender then scored his first professional goal in a 4-0 win against his former club Genoa earlier this month, winning all four matches he played in that period.
Chelsea identify former defender as ‘perfect fit’ to replace Maresca as manager
He has enjoyed a “rapid adjustment” to coaching.
Ahanoğlu has shown very promising signs at Atalanta, but it is still a bit premature for Chelsea to submit a bid of around £52m and they should wait until the end of the season before making any approach.
