RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 1 sources
Chelsea plotting move for Atalanta’s Honest Ahanor
Chelsea are keeping tabs on Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor, according to Fabrizio Romano .
The Blues are eyeing the 18-year-old as one for the future, and it remains unclear how willing they are to bring him to Stamford Bridge.
The Chelsea target caught the eye in Serie A playing as a centre-half and a left-wing-back.
Ahanor won 55 percent of his aerial and 62% of his ground duels last season while helping to keep four clean sheets in 22 league appearances.
Interestingly, the Italian club has already rejected two offers for his services, and it remains to be seen whether Chelsea can convince them to part ways.
He ‘ has been touted as a potential star for some time now .’ There was a reason Atalanta paid €16 million plus €4m in bonuses around this time last year for his services.
Ahanor, who represents Italy at youth levels but is eligible to play for Nigeria through both parents, has continued to impress, attracting attention from big clubs like Chelsea.
Chelsea/BlueCo should leave Ahanor alone
Chelsea and BlueCo already have enough young defenders on their books who need a clear pathway to first-team football.
Aaron Anselmino and Mamadou Sarr are both looking to develop away from Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, Josh Acheampong has already shown enough potential to deserve continued opportunities with the senior side.
There is little point adding another teenage defender to an already crowded group and then figuring out where he fits.
Chelsea’s obsession with stockpiling young talent can become counterproductive when players are moved around or blocked from progressing naturally.
Ahanor may well develop into an excellent defender, but Chelsea do not need to sign every promising teenager who emerges.
They need to give the players they already have a genuine chance to establish themselves, as seen with Deivid Washington, David Datro Fofana, Mathis Amougou, etc.
Ahanor should be left right where he is and allowed to develop without Chelsea constantly tampering with his budding career.
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.