Why Crystal Palace are allowed to sign Honest Ahanor on loan despite Chelsea announcing transfer for Atalanta star

CHELSEA have confirmed the big-money signing of Honest Ahanor – but will delay his arrival to allow him to join Crystal Palace on loan. It is set to be a busy transfer deadline day at Stamford Bridge, with Enzo Fernandez edging towards a record-breaking move to Manchester City. Honest Ahanor is heading to Crystal Palace on loan Credit: Getty The teenage defender’s move to Chelsea will be delayed until next year Credit: Getty And Chelsea have announced the acquisition of Ahanor in a deal understood to be worth £40million. But the defender, 18, will only officially join the West Londoners NEXT YEAR. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Ahanor is remaining on Atalanta’s books so he can head to Palace for the rest of the season without Premier League rules being breached. Chelsea are allowed to send just one star on loan to Selhurst Park because of regulations. And, having sanctioned Axel Disasi’s move to Palace last month, the Blues cannot negotiate another temporary deal with the Eagles. Ahanor made 35 appearances in all competitions last season, including 22 outings in Serie A. The teenage sensation also came off the bench during Atalanta’s Champions League win over Chelsea last December. His form resulted in being rewarded with two international caps for Italy during the summer. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS But Ahanor has not been handed any game time in the early stages of the new season after Chelsea and Palace were queuing up to nab him from Atalanta. Blues chief Xabi Alonso is also in the market for a Fernandez replacement in the final hours of the transfer window. It has led to a five-man shortlist being pieced together, which includes Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi. Palace boss Pierre Sage is looking to complete more last-minute business after the deal for Ahanor gets over the line. He is looking to hijack Sunderland’s £30m move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana. Chelsea and Palace need to get all deals over the line before tonight’s 11pm cut-off point. Comment now