Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign highly rated Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor for a reported £40 million ($54 million), with the 18-year-old set to spend the upcoming season on loan at Crystal Palace.
Ahanor will remain in England with Palace before officially becoming a Chelsea player in 2027. The move is part of Chelsea’s continued investment in young talent, while the temporary switch to south London will give the defender an opportunity to gain Premier League experience.
The Italian youth international joined Atalanta from Genoa in July 2025 and enjoyed an impressive first campaign in Bergamo. He reportedly made 35 appearances across all competitions last season, including 22 Serie A appearances.
His performances also earned him a senior Italy call-up. Ahanor made his international debut in June during a friendly against Luxembourg.
His move to Crystal Palace is expected to provide additional defensive options for the UEFA Conference League holders following Chadi Riad’s anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered against Everton.
Speaking to Palace after completing his temporary move, Ahanor expressed his excitement about joining the club.
“I’m very happy to be here and to be a part of this great family.”
He added that joining a club recognised for developing young players in the Premier League was a major opportunity for his career.
Chelsea also confirmed the agreement on their official website, stating that Ahanor would formally join the club in 2027.
The Blues highlighted his rapid development since arriving in Bergamo and his breakthrough into the Italian senior national team.
Marc Guiu Leaves Chelsea for RB Leipzig
Meanwhile, Chelsea have also parted ways with striker Marc Guiu, who has completed a permanent move to RB Leipzig on a five-year contract.
The transfer is reportedly worth £14.5 million, ending the Spanish forward’s two-year spell at Stamford Bridge.
Guiu arrived at Chelsea from Barcelona in 2024 for around £5 million but was unable to establish himself as a regular first-team player.
During his time with the London club, the 20-year-old made 11 Premier League appearances but did not score in the competition.
The departures and incoming deals underline Chelsea’s continued strategy of reshaping their squad around younger players while giving emerging talents opportunities to develop through first-team football elsewhere.
