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Real Madrid have joined Chelsea and Manchester City in the race to sign highly rated Nigerian teenager Honest Ahanor, one of Europe’s most coveted young defenders, Footynaija.com reports.
The 17-year-old Atalanta star has enjoyed a rapid rise since arriving from Genoa in the summer in a deal worth around €20m, with his performances in Serie A drawing sustained attention from Premier League clubs and elite sides across Europe.
Honest Ahanor is a special talent.
— Bence Bocsák (@BenBocsak) December 3, 2025
Whether it’s at LB or as an LCB in a back three he reads the game so well for a 17-year-old.
He hasn’t lost a single defensive duel in his last three games for Atalanta winning 10/10 in 165 minutes.
He’s an excellent defender first and… pic.twitter.com/7DnVPvXEfL
Chelsea are understood to be leading the chase, having tracked Ahanor since his youth-team days in Genoa, while Manchester City are also following him closely as part of their long-term squad planning, as per TeamTalk. Manchester United, Tottenham, Newcastle, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig have all sent scouts to watch the versatile defender this season.
Honest Ahanor (-’08).
— Javier (@javittofut) October 18, 2025
He has remarkable strength and intelligence for his young age.
1’84m, powerful and coordinated stride, versatility to play in various positions & solid defending going forward. Ideal for a three CB defence.pic.twitter.com/nE80nYksNJ
Left-sided and comfortable at centre-back, full-back or in midfield, Ahanor has already made several senior starts for Atalanta and impressed with his composure and tactical intelligence.
HONEST OVONRANWEN AHANOR (17, LCB)
— Nigeria Scout (@9jaPlayersNews) November 9, 2025
• Younest Italian-born to be debuted in UCL
• 4th youngest debutant in Serie A.
He’s solely identified as Nigerian until February, 2026 when he will gain Italian citizenship. NFF and Eric Chelle are reportedly on him through Lookman. pic.twitter.com/0yHo161Grw
Sources close to the club say Chelsea and City have been regular observers in recent weeks, with Atalanta aware that interest is intensifying ahead of the summer window. Ahanor is under contract until 2028, placing the Italian side in a strong negotiating position.
The defender will be eligible to move to England after turning 18 in February, and Atalanta could be tempted into a sale if bids approach €60m.
Ahanor is Nigeria’s most valuable teenager, according to Transfermarkt and he is eligible to represent the three-time African champions. Although that may change next year when he turns 18 and becomes eligible to play for Italy, his country of birth, with the World Cup around the corner.
