Brighton & Hove Albion have intensified their efforts to sign Atalanta youngster Honest Ahanor after tabling an offer worth approximately €34 million (£30 million) for the defender.
Transfer insiders, Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook, report that the Seagulls have now made an official move for the Nigerian-born prospect, having tracked his progress closely in recent months.
Ahanor has attracted widespread attention across Europe following his rapid rise, with the teenager regarded as one of the continent’s brightest defensive talents.
Atalanta stand to make a substantial gain if they agree to the deal. The Serie A club only brought Ahanor in from Genoa last summer for €20 million, a fee that made him the second-most expensive Italian 17-year-old ever at the time.
Despite his young age, the 18-year-old has already amassed 41 first-team appearances, featuring nine times in the UEFA Champions League.
His impressive performances also earned him a maiden senior call-up to the Italy national team under interim manager Silvio Baldini.
However, Brighton may have to improve their proposal before reaching an agreement, as Atalanta are under little pressure to sell due to their healthy financial situation and the prospect of significant transfer income from other departures this summer.
