Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly failed in their first attempt to sign highly rated Italian youngster Honest Ahanor after Atalanta rejected an opening offer for the defender.
According to reports in Italy, the Premier League club submitted a bid worth around €34 million (£30 million) for the 18-year-old, but Atalanta have turned down the proposal as they seek a higher fee for one of their most promising talents.
Italian transfer expert, Nicolò Schira, reports that Atalanta value Ahanor at between €40 million and €45 million and are unwilling to sanction a sale below that figure.
Ahanor joined Atalanta from Genoa last summer in a deal worth €20 million, making him one of the most expensive Italian teenagers in history.
Only Pietro Pellegri commanded a higher fee as a 17-year-old when he moved from Genoa to AS Monaco in 2018.
The versatile defender enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Atalanta, featuring 22 times in Serie A, including 15 starts.
He also made nine appearances in the UEFA Champions League and played four matches in the Coppa Italia.
Primarily deployed on the left side of a three-man defence, Ahanor is also comfortable operating as a central defender, left-back or wing-back, highlighting the versatility that has attracted interest from clubs across Europe.
His rapid rise was further recognised earlier this month when interim Italy coach Silvio Baldini handed him his first senior international appearances in friendly matches against Luxembourg and Greece.
Despite Brighton’s strong interest, Atalanta appear determined to retain the teenager unless their valuation is met, setting the stage for a potential transfer battle in the coming weeks.
