Real Madrid following 18-year-old Serie A defender – reports in Italy | OneFootball

Real Madrid have a history of pursuing the top emerging teenagers over the past two decades, and the latest talent to hit their radar is Honest Ahanor. The 18-year-old central defender is reportedly being scouted by Los Blancos.

The first instance of Real Madrid carrying out a similar move was Raphael Varane, who became a starter as a teenager following a move from RC Lens. Los Blancos also pursued Leny Yoro before his move to Manchester United, and last summer forked out €60m for Dean Huijsen last year. Although it seems likely that Los Blancos will move for a more experienced centre-back this summer, the options named have largely dwindled to Nico Schlotterbeck and Ibrahima Konate.

Real Madrid following Honest Ahanor progress

As per Sky Sport Italia, via Diario AS, Real Madrid are following Ahanor’s progress closely. Already an under-21 international with Italy, Ahanor is left-footed, and has already made one multi-million move in his career. Coming through the academy at Genoa, Ahanor signed for Atalanta for a fee of €25m last summer. This season he has made 28 appearances for Atalanta, scoring once, receiving two bookings and one red card.

Of those appearances, 16 have been starts, and there have been spells where he has been a regular for Rafaele Palladino. Strong on the ball, and proactive in his defending, Ahanor fits the current blueprint for a central defender, and has also played at left-back coming through at Genoa.

Real Madrid also tracking Jon Martin

The news arrives just days after interest in Real Sociedad defender Jon Martin became news. The 19-year-old Spain under-21 international is another name Los Blancos are tracking, and it seems they have an eventual successor to Antonio Rudiger in mind. Former Castilla talent Jacobo Ramon is also being monitored, as he enjoys a strong first season with Como, also in Serie A.