Crystal Palace have opened talks with Atalanta to sign defender Honest Ahanor, potentially hijacking Chelsea's move for the 18-year-old before transfer deadline day.
Chelsea began negotiations for the highly-rated teenager last week, having already signed Marco Palestra from the Serie A club earlier this summer. Reports indicate a £40million deal and personal terms were quickly agreed, with Ahanor expected to travel to London for a medical. The only uncertainty was whether head coach Xabi Alonso planned to integrate the centre-back, who can also play left-back or on the wing, into his first team or loan him out for the 2026/27 season.
Palace make loan move
In a surprise development, Premier League rivals Palace have entered the race and are now in discussions with Atalanta to bring Ahanor to Selhurst Park on loan. According to Sky Sports, talks remain at a preliminary stage, and it is still possible Chelsea agree to sign the Italy international next summer.
Palace cannot loan Ahanor from Chelsea, as they are not permitted to sign more than one player on loan from the same club and already have Axel Disasi on a short-term deal from Stamford Bridge.
Defensive urgency for the Eagles
Signing a centre-back is a more pressing priority for Palace than for Chelsea, with Pierre Sage's side facing Europa League football this season. Palace sold star defender Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea earlier in the window, bringing in Disasi and former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu as replacements.
However, Chadi Riad suffered a knee injury in the opening-day defeat at Everton and is expected to miss most of the campaign. Both clubs are also dealing with the potential departure of key players before Tuesday's deadline, with Enzo Fernandez, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr facing uncertain futures.
Palace have lost their first two matches under Sage and travel to Fulham on Saturday. Chelsea have won their opening three games in all competitions under Alonso and face Arsenal on Sunday.
