- Chelsea are in talks over Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor, with the Serie A club willing to sell if their €40m valuation is met
- Mamadou Sarr is undergoing a medical with Real Sociedad ahead of a season-long loan without an option or obligation to buy
- Chelsea face Brighton at home in the Premier League on Sunday after beating Fulham 3-2 in their opening match of the season on Monday
Chelsea Pursue Ahanor After Earlier Interest
Chelsea are holding discussions over a move for Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor as they continue to reshape their squad under manager Xabi Alonso.
The Blues had already shown interest in the 18-year-old Italian when they completed the signing of right-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta in July. Ahanor, who is primarily a left-back, has attracted attention this summer, with Atalanta having already rejected Brighton’s offer of €34m. The Serie A club would be prepared to sell Ahanor if their asking price of €40m is met.
🚨🔵 Chelsea are in advanced talks over €40m deal for Honest Ahanor from Atalanta.
Understand the agreement for 18 year old defender would include joining a Premier League club this summer in order to develop and then join #CFC in June 2027.
Honest already said yes to Chelsea. pic.twitter.com/rrNIdm7pTx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 26, 2026
Ahanor’s Rise at Atalanta
Ahanor moved to Atalanta from Genoa last summer on a three-year contract. The reported transfer fee was €16m, with a further 4m in add-ons.
He went on to make 28 appearances in Serie A for Atalanta last season, becoming a regular starter for the Italian club. His development also included a Champions League debut, which came in a 2-1 win against Club Brugge last September.
His progress was recognised at international level in May, when he was called up by Italy for friendly matches against Luxembourg and Greece.
Sarr Set for Real Sociedad Loan
While Chelsea explore a potential incoming defensive signing, Mamadou Sarr is moving closer to a temporary departure. The Senegal international is undergoing his medical with Real Sociedad on Thursday morning ahead of a loan move from Chelsea.
Sarr is expected to join Sociedad on a season-long loan. The deal is not due to include either an option or an obligation to make the move permanent.
The Senegal international is in Spain undergoing his medical on Thursday morning. The report also referenced a live blog covering all the latest transfer news and rumours.
A switch to Sociedad is expected to offer Sarr the level of playing time that Xabi Alonso could not guarantee him at Chelsea this season. The young defender, who turns 21 on Saturday, had been recalled by Chelsea from his loan spell with sister club Strasbourg halfway through last season.
Why Chelsea Back Regular Minutes for Sarr
Chelsea faced criticism from some observers after recalling Sarr from Strasbourg, only to use him for three Premier League appearances during the second half of last term. However, the club believe he has a bright future and want him to return to playing regularly this season.
Other clubs were interested in taking Sarr on loan, but Sociedad won the race to secure him for the campaign.
Chelsea signed Sarr permanently from Strasbourg in June 2025, with the Senegalese defender agreeing an eight-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Sarr has strong international pedigree. An experienced France youth international, he switched allegiance to Senegal before becoming a senior international. He has played eight times for Senegal, including starting the Africa Cup of Nations final earlier in the year.
Further Departures and Loan Options Before the Deadline
Chelsea continue to move players out through sales and loans before Tuesday’s deadline. Marc Guiu is available for sale and has been linked with Napoli.
Aston Villa are closing in on a deal to sign Nicolas Jackson for a total fee package which, including significant add-ons, could earn Chelsea £65m.
Tosin Adarabioyo is also available for sale, while Dario Essugo and Mykhailo Mudryk are available on loan. Liam Delap is set to join Nottingham Forest for £45m plus £5m in add-ons.
Next Fixture
Chelsea’s transfer work continues alongside their Premier League campaign. The Blues face Brighton at home on Sunday after opening their season with a 3-2 win over Fulham on Monday.
