Chelsea agree signing of Italy defender Ahanor

Chelsea have agreed the signing of Italy international defender Honest Ahanor, who will spend the rest of the season on loan at Crystal Palace.

The 18-year-old has been signed from Atalanta for a fee of £40m.

The Blues have announced that Ahanor will officially join them in 2027.

He could not be signed from Atalanta and then loaned to Palace, because Axel Disasi is already on loan from Chelsea at the south London club. 

Premier League rules prevent a club from loaning more than one player to the same side.

Ahanor has therefore joined Palace from Atalanta on loan prior to officially becoming a Chelsea player.

He featured 35 times for Atalanta last season and has played for Italy twice.

Ahanor was previously at Genoa, making six appearances for them before moving to Atalanta.