Bolts of confusion have hit reports about a summer move to Chelsea of England by Italy-based Nigerian-born defender Honest Ahanor, as speculation is hanging over the possibility of the lad being shipped out on loan to Crystal Palace.
Sports247 reports that the unexpected twist indicates that Chelsea will no longer keep the Italian fringe international in their main team after he arrives from Atalanta of Italy, as they will instead send him out for a season at their fellow-London-based English Premier League rivals.
A major snag in that arrangement, though, comes from an observation that Chelsea have already loaned Axel Disasi to Palace and, with regulations restricting such deals between two clubs within the same division to only one player per season, Ahanor’s arrival might be delayed even further.
This, in effect, means Ahanor may end up spending the new season at Atalanta, even after signing on the dotted lines at Stamford Bridge, as various regulations guiding loan deals and registration of players will have to be observed, while Chelsea are already loaded at the back.
A report by the UK’s Express newspaper revealed, “Crystal Palace are reportedly set to sign defender Honest Ahanor on loan from Chelsea, though The Blues are yet to announce him as their £40 million signing from Atalanta.
“Xabi Alonso’s side had agreed a deal for the 18-year-old and received permission for him to travel and undergo a medical. Ahor, who mainly plays at left-back or centre-back for the Serie A outfit, is considered a top talent.
“He was called up by the Italy national team for friendly matches against Luxembourg and Greece. But he will have to wait to make his debut for Chelsea, as he is set to immediately go out on loan to Palace.
“Sky Sports Italy claim that Ahanor is expected to complete his double English move in the coming hours and will join Axel Disasi, who is also on loan at Palace from Chelsea.
“However, two players cannot be loaned to the same league club for the season, likely meaning that Ahanor’s move to Chelsea will officially go through next season.”
