Atletico Madrid target Atalanta wonderkid set to choose Italy over Nigeria

Spanish giants Atletico de Madrid have stepped up their interest in promising defender Honest Ahanor, one of the fastest-rising young talents in Italian football, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 18-year-old centre-back, currently playing for Atalanta BC, has enjoyed a breakthrough season in Serie A, earning regular minutes despite his age. His calm defending, physical strength and strong positional awareness have drawn attention from across Europe.

Several English Premier League clubs are already monitoring his progress, while SSC Napoli are also believed to admire the youngster as part of their long-term squad planning.

Buon compleanno Honest 🥳

Happy birthday, Honest 🎂

Powered by @zondacrypto #GoAtalantaGo ⚫🔵 pic.twitter.com/inGMa5wgdN

— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) February 22, 2026

Atletico are understood to be assessing defensive reinforcements as they prepare for the future under head coach Diego Simeone. According to Fichajes, the Spanish club view Ahanor as a modern defender capable of fitting into demanding tactical systems thanks to his ability to defend large spaces and build play from the back.

Ahanor joined Atalanta from Genoa CFC and has quickly increased his reputation with consistent performances in both domestic league matches and European competition. His contract runs until 2028, meaning any potential transfer would likely require a significant fee, especially with growing interest from multiple clubs.

Italy or Nigeria? Atletico Madrid target set to make key decision

Away from club football, Ahanor’s international future has also become a major talking point. Born in Italy to Nigerian parents, the defender has now turned 18 and is eligible to receive an Italian passport.

Only eligible for the Super Eagles before, Ahanor has now cleared the final administrative hurdle that previously prevented him from representing Italy national football team.

He had been registered under Nigeria earlier in his youth career but is now expected to formally switch his sporting nationality to Italy. Reports indicate that Italy’s national team staff had long admired him, with head coach Gennaro Gattuso previously suggesting paperwork issues were the main reason for his absence from selection.

Efforts by Nigeria national football team officials to convince him to commit internationally reportedly did not succeed, as the player remains focused on achieving his ambition of playing senior football for Italy.

This season, Ahanor has featured regularly for Atalanta, making appearances in both Serie A and the UEFA Champions League.