Real Madrid have emerged as the latest European heavyweights monitoring Nigeria’s highly rated teenage defender Honest Ahanor, intensifying a transfer race led by Chelsea and Manchester City, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 17-year-old Atalanta starlet has quickly become one of the most closely watched young defenders in Europe after an outstanding breakthrough season in Bergamo, according to a report by TeamTalk.
Chelsea are understood to be leading the chase, having tracked Ahanor since his formative years at Genoa, but Madrid’s growing interest is expected to reshape strategic thinking around the youngster’s future.
Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle are also actively monitoring his progress, while Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig have sent scouts to watch him in Italy this season.
Ahanor joined Atalanta in the summer in a deal worth around €20m, yet his rapid adaptation to senior football has made a prolonged stay far from guaranteed. The left-sided defender is comfortable operating at centre-back, full-back and in midfield, and has already made six starts for Atalanta this season.
Chelsea and Manchester City scouts have reportedly been virtually ever-present at Atalanta matches in recent weeks, reflecting the seriousness of their interest.
Atalanta remain in a strong negotiating position with Ahanor contracted until 2028. The Serie A side could look to more than triple their initial investment should bids approach the €60m mark.
The Super Eagles-eligible defender will be eligible to move to England at the end of the season when he turns 18 in February, opening the door for Premier League clubs to act decisively.
Former Italy international Aldo Serena recently praised Ahanor’s potential, stating he could become one of the best in the world in his position by the age of 20.
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