Chelsea closing in on €40m deal for Atalanta wonderkid Honest Ahanor

Chelsea are reportedly closing in on a €40m (£34.6m) deal for Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor, with negotiations advancing rapidly ahead of the transfer deadline.

The Blues have made significant progress in talks with Atalanta, while negotiations over personal terms with the highly-rated Italy youth international are also being finalised.

Ahanor could become the second player to swap Bergamo for Stamford Bridge this summer after Chelsea already signed Marco Palestra from the Serie A club.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, citing Sky Sport Italia, direct negotiations between Chelsea and Atalanta have accelerated significantly.

The clubs are now working towards an agreement worth approximately €40m.

That represents a considerable compromise from Atalanta's previously reported €60m valuation but remains higher than the €34m offer from Brighton which was rejected earlier in the transfer window.

Atalanta only signed Ahanor from Genoa last summer for €16m plus another €4m in potential bonuses, meaning they are already positioned to make a substantial profit.

Personal terms are also being finalised, putting Chelsea increasingly close to completing the transfer.

The negotiations underline the developing transfer relationship between Chelsea and Atalanta.

Chelsea have already brought Marco Palestra to Stamford Bridge this summer, and Ahanor could now follow his former teammate to London.

The Blues have closely monitored Atalanta and clearly see the Italian club as a source of elite young talent.

Ahanor fits Chelsea's recruitment strategy particularly well: an exceptionally young defender who already has substantial senior experience and considerable room for further development.

Born in February 2008, Ahanor has enjoyed a remarkable rise.

Despite his age, the defender established himself quickly at Atalanta and made 28 Serie A appearances during his first season with the club.

He also gained Champions League experience, accelerating his development and attracting attention from major European clubs.

Chelsea are now attempting to move ahead of that competition and secure one of Italian football's most highly regarded defensive prospects.

Chelsea and Atalanta must now finalise the remaining details of the €40m package, while an agreement with Ahanor over his contract also needs to be completed.

The deal could reportedly be concluded by Friday, after which the youngster would undergo his medical before Chelsea can officially announce their latest summer signing.