Manchester United’s pursuit of Honest Ahanor is under threat after three Premier League rivals entered the race for the Atalanta defensive starlet, according to the latest report from Italy. Serie A’s Shining Star Despite only turning 18 this week, Ahanor is quickly establishing himself as one of Serie A’s most exciting prospects for Atalanta this season. The left-footed defender, who possesses a combination of excellent physical and technical attributes, initially came through Genoa’s academy – with officials at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris considering him the best graduate since Pietro Pellegri, who made his Serie A debut at 15. Described as one of the “most gifted” young defenders in Europe, the 6’0 powerhouse was chased by AC Milan, AS Roma, Monaco and Chelsea last summer. However, he opted to join Atalanta instead, due to La Dea’s reputation as a club “synonymous with improving players”, according to GOAL. A €20 million deal was struck with Genoa, worth an initial €16m with €4m in bonuses. It has proven a masterstroke, with Ahanor’s valuation now at least double their initial investment. The defender’s form has been so impressive that there is even an outside chance he will make Italy’s squad for the World Cup this summer, despite never having represented Gli Azzurri at youth level. Born to Nigerian parents, Ahanor moved to Genoa when he was a baby and, despite having lived in the country for the majority of his life, Italian laws dictate he was not eligible to become a citizen until he turned 18 – which he did yesterday. His story has even sparked a debate in Italy about the country’s citizenship process, with the FIGC keen to tie his future at international level down. However, there is growing interest from clubs across the continent in securing his signature this summer as well, with the Red Devils chief amongst them. A Growing Queue United have been closely monitoring Ahanor’s progress, according to Italian outlet Tuttosport (as relayed by Sports Witness). The Mancunian club are on the lookout for a versatile defender this summer as the future of Harry Maguire remains far from certain, and Patrick Dorgu’s reinvention as a winger leaves Luke Shaw as the sole option at left-back. Ahanor is as versatile as he is highly rated, having played at full-back, centre-back, midfield and even out wide in his brief but impressive career. It makes sense, therefore, for United to target the youngster, given he would provide depth across a range of areas of need at Old Trafford. However, the report reveals Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur have also registered interest, while scouts from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid have delivered glowing reports. AC Milan’s interest remains in place, while Serie A champions Napoli have also added him to their wish list after he impressed Antonio Conte earlier in the campaign. Final Thoughts United will face a fierce battle to sign Ahanor this summer, with the youngster’s potential likely to have already raised his transfer fee beyond the club’s budget. However, the Red Devils maintain an excellent relationship with their Atalanta counterparts, having agreed big-money moves in the past for Rasmus Hojlund and Amad. This could give them the inside track to strike another deal for one of Italy’s most sought-after prospects in years. Featured image Francesco Pecoraro via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.
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