Real Madrid have emerged as the latest European heavyweights monitoring Nigeria’s highly rated teenage defender Honest Ahanor, intensifying a transfer race led by Chelsea and Manchester City, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle are also actively monitoring his progress, while Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig have sent scouts to watch him in Italy this season. Ahanor joined Atalanta in the summer in a deal worth around €20m, yet his rapid adaptation to senior football has made a prolonged stay far from guaranteed. Chelsea and Manchester City scouts have reportedly been virtually ever-present at Atalanta matches in recent weeks, reflecting the seriousness of their interest. Atalanta remain in a strong negotiating position with Ahanor contracted until 2028.

Source: Punch December 20, 2025 04:44 UTC