Brighton Submit New £30 Million Offer for Young Defender as Luka Vušković Interest Continues
Brighton & Hove Albion have intensified their search for defensive reinforcements during the summer transfer window by submitting a fresh £30 million bid for highly rated Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor. The Seagulls are determined to strengthen their central defensive options ahead of the new campaign and are actively pursuing multiple targets.
The Premier League club have already shown interest in Tottenham Hotspur’s promising Croatian centre-back Luka Vušković earlier in the transfer window. However, Brighton are now also focusing on Ahanor, the talented 18-year-old Italian defender who has emerged as one of the brightest young prospects in Serie A.
According to reports, Brighton’s latest offer for Ahanor is worth around £30 million. The defender enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season with Atalanta, making 22 appearances in Serie A and featuring nine times in the UEFA Champions League. His performances have attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, with Brighton now among the frontrunners for his signature.
Born in Aversa, Italy, Ahanor began his professional career with Genoa before completing a move to Atalanta. He is currently under contract with the Italian club until June 2028, meaning Atalanta are under no immediate pressure to sell their young defender. Earlier in the window, the Italian side had also been linked with Brighton midfielder Matt O’Riley, although no deal materialised.
Brighton’s pursuit of new centre-backs comes after significant changes to their defensive department. The club recently sold Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth approximately £52 million, leaving a major gap in Fabian Hürzeler’s squad. In addition, Adam Webster departed following the expiration of his contract, while uncertainty continues to surround Joel Veltman’s future as his current deal has also come to an end.
Despite targeting new defenders, Brighton still have experienced options available. Club captain Lewis Dunk, now 34 years old, remains a key figure in defence, while Olivier Boscagli provides additional experience at the back.
Italian international Diego Coppola has also been mentioned as a potential defensive target. Coppola spent last season on loan at Paris FC and has been linked with a possible move to Lazio, although Brighton continue to monitor his situation.
Meanwhile, Brighton have not abandoned their pursuit of Tottenham youngster Luka Vušković. Reports suggest the Seagulls’ most recent offer for the 19-year-old Croatian defender was in the region of £45 million. Vušković is believed to be open to joining Brighton, where he could receive regular first-team football.
The highly regarded defender spent last season on loan at Hamburg in the Bundesliga, gaining valuable senior experience, but has yet to make his competitive debut for Tottenham. He joined Spurs from Hajduk Split in 2025 for a fee believed to be around £12 million and remains under contract with the North London club until 2030.
With Brighton eager to rebuild their defence following key departures, both Honest Ahanor and Luka Vušković remain among the club’s leading transfer priorities as they continue preparations for the upcoming Premier League season.
