According to Italian transfer market guru Gianluca Di Marzio, European giants Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Atalanta's Super Eagles-eligible centre-back Honest Ahanor ahead of the reopening of the transfer window. 

Born in Italy to Nigerian parents, the Aversa native remains eligible to represent the Super Eagles despite being provisionally cap-tied to Italy following his competitive debut in the second half of their European U21 Championship qualifier against Sweden on Tuesday, March 31. 

The Nigeria Football Federation have long courted Ahanor, but he has consistently favoured Italy, having spent the majority of his footballing development in the country.

Ahanor's standout performances for Atalanta this season have drawn the attention of Los Blancos, who are closely tracking the versatile centre-back.

The 18-year-old was signed by Atalanta for a fee of €17 million, a substantial investment for a teenager at the time. 

This season, he has featured in 28 matches across all competitions, including 16 in Serie A, nine in the Champions League and three in the Coppa Italia.

The 2008-born defender was recently ranked 12th in the 2026 NXGN list, which identifies the world's best U19 talents.