Odd, to be Honest: Chelsea buy gem of Nigerian descent, Palace swoop in to get him first

Last week, The Athletic reported that Chelsea agreed to sign the Italian prospect of Nigerian descent, Honest Ahanor, from Atalanta for €46 million. However, instead of joining the Blues immediately, the 18-year-old will arrive at Stamford Bridge next June.And the defender will indeed land in London, but sooner than anyone expected – not in a year, but in a couple of days.🔵🔴 Honest Ahanor will undergo medical at Crystal Palace today.Chelsea already signed all docs, medical done at #CFC for £40m — deal valid from June 2027, as exclusively revealed. 18 year old CB formally joins #CPFC on loan from Atalanta but already under Chelsea control. pic.twitter.com/8BJcYtdnMM— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2026 While the Blues were sorting out Ahanor's contract and medical, Crystal Palace swooped in and "stole" him from under their noses, agreeing to loan him from Atalanta!Therefore, the youngster will eventually pull on a Chelsea shirt, but not before making a Premier League debut with the Eagles and – who knows – perhaps even facing his future club.Chelsea score, concede, suffer, but win: Blues edge Brighton in seven-goal thrillerAfter Palace centre-back and former La Masia player Chadi Riad tore his ACL three days ago against Everton, they needed a quick replacement. Ahanor quickly emerged as a prime candidate and turned out to be an excellent solution, with The Athletic reporting that a loan deal with Atalanta is imminent.In the end, the Italy international's move to Selhurst Park won't be all bad news for Chelsea, as he'll undoubtedly earn valuable experience, while a year in the Premier League could prepare him well for the challenges awaiting him at Stamford Bridge.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 2FridayCrystal Palace – Manchester City 1-4 (0-1)/Donnarumma 56 og – Haaland 17, 84, Cherki 54, 59/SaturdayLiverpool – Nottingham Forest 2-2 (0-1)/Isak 60, Munoz 82 – Ndoye 24, Gibbs-White 70 pen/Bournemouth – Everton 1-1 (1-0)/Scott 41 – Tarkowski 90+1/Coventry – Hull 0-1 (0-0)/Millar 82/Tottenham – Newcastle 0-2 (0-0)/Elanga 62, Wissa 72/SundayChelsea – Brighton 4-3 (3-1)/Lavia 4, Neto 14, Pedro 32, Palmer 74 – Yalcouye 35, Pedro 63 og, Gross 90+6/Leeds – Brentford 1-1 (0-1)/Calvert-Lewin 79 – Schade 41/Sunderland – Fulham 1-0 (0-0)/Isidor 75/Manchester United – Ipswich Town 5-2 (1-1)/Fernandes 40, 61 pen, 68, Greaves 56 og, Mbeumo 82 – Davis 29, Akpom 90+1/Monday22.00: (6.25) Aston Villa (4.00) Arsenal (1.55)***odds are subject to change***