Real Madrid tracking Atalanta's teenage defender Honest Ahanor

Real Madrid are closely monitoring the development of Atalanta's 18-year-old defender Honest Ahanor, according to reports in Italy. Sky Sport Italia, via Diario AS, states that the Spanish champions are keeping tabs on the young Italian centre-back as part of their long-term recruitment strategy.

Ahanor, a left-footed Italy under-21 international, only joined Atalanta from Genoa last summer in a deal worth €25 million. In his debut season with La Dea, he has made 28 appearances across all competitions, starting 16 matches and scoring one goal under manager Rafaele Palladino. He is noted for being strong in possession and proactive in his defensive actions.

The report suggests Real Madrid's interest aligns with their historical pursuit of elite teenage talents, a path previously taken with the signings of Raphael Varane and, more recently, Dean Huijsen. While the club is expected to target a more experienced central defender in the upcoming window, with names like Nico Schlotterbeck and Ibrahima Konate linked, tracking prospects like Ahanor is a parallel process.

This news follows shortly after reports emerged of Madrid's interest in another young defender, Real Sociedad's 19-year-old Jon Martin. The club appears to be building a shortlist of potential long-term successors for veteran Antonio Rudiger. Another player, former Castilla defender Jacobo Ramon, is also being monitored during his spell with Como in Serie A.

Ahanor's current contract with Atalanta runs until 2029, meaning any potential move would likely command a significant fee, well above the sum Atalanta paid for him less than a year ago.