FC Bayern München v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5
Bayern Munich have made a promise to Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong (Picture: Getty)
Bayern Munich have hatched a plan to sign Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong by promising immediate first-team minutes if he completes a transfer.
The 18-year-old Chelsea wonderkid has attracted interest from lots of clubs with Real Madrid, Paris-Saint Germain, Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund also plotting moves.
Chelsea have no desire to sell Acheampong – but it was reported last month that the Blues have told him he won’t play for the first team or development squad until he signs a new contract at Stamford Bridge.
According to new reports, ‘tentative progress’ has been made on the Chelsea side with the Blues ‘really pushing’ to keep the Englishman in west London.
But they face stiff competition with Bayern ‘very interested’ and even now offering to hand Acheampong immediate minutes in the first-team.
Acheampong joined Chelsea’s youth ranks as an Under-8 and signed his first professional deal with the Blues in January, which runs until 2026.
Chelsea are already desperate to extend Acheampong’s contract, though, amid fear that he’ll have less than 12 months left on his deal next summer.
Chelsea v Barrow - Carabao Cup Third Round
Josh Acheampong is viewed as a jewel of the Cobham academy (Picture: Getty)
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is a massive fan of the teenager – and speaking last month – he urged the Blues to fix the Acheampong situation.
‘To be honest, I feel a bit of shame for Josh,’ Maresca said. ‘I had a chat with him, personally, about his situation and the chat we had was a very good chat, a positive chat but since that moment I haven’t spoken to him.
‘As I said, it’s a shame. I think Josh potentially can become a top player. He is still 18, so still very young, so many things can change for him, but he can potentially be very important thing for Chelsea.
‘It’s so important for the club that our intention is not to lose him. The first thing we need to do is to find a solution for his future.
‘The most important thing at this stage is to get minutes, enjoy and to play football.
‘For him, I don’t know the people who are trying to solve the problem, if they are helping him or not. I really like Josh and I would really like to have him here with us but it is not possible [at the moment].’
MORE: Man Utd eye move for ‘beefy’ Nigerian striker with three other options lined up
MORE: Gabriel injury update provided by Mikel Arteta after Arsenal thrash Sporting Lisbon
MORE: Mikel Arteta highlights Arsenal star after 5-1 win vs Sporting: ‘One of his best performances ever’