Josh Acheampong, the latest rising star from the Chelsea academy, has become the subject of significant interest from a number of top European clubs, including Real Madrid.
The young full-back, who signed his first professional contract in June for a term lasting until 2026, is seen as a significant asset for the future of the club.
However, the player was temporarily sidelined from the first-team and development squad due to his contract situation.
This situation brought about the interest of several top clubs from across Europe, that included Real Madrid, who are in the market for reinforcements at right-back.
However, the growing interest in Acheampong has prompted Chelsea to take decisive action.
Contract agreement close
Indeed, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that the agreement to renew Josh Acheampong’s contract is “close”.
“There is a clear situation with Josh,” said Maresca in a press conference ahead of the team’s upcoming match against Astana in the UEFA Conference League.
“Everyone wants Josh, the club wants Josh, I want Josh, and we are trying to reach an agreement. We’re close, very close. We’ll see.”
Maresca also confirmed that Acheampong would be in the squad for the match and is “likely to start.”
Acheampong set to renew. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
If he does, it will be the youngser’s first start for the senior team, and his third appearance overall, following his Premier League debut last season at the age of 17 and his earlier Carabao Cup outing.
As reported a while ago, Acheampong was informed that he would not play for either the Chelsea senior team or the U-21s until a new deal was in place.
After two months on the sidelines, during which he had not featured since a Carabao Cup match on September 24 against Barrow (a 5-0 victory), Acheampong finally made his return to action on November 29.
The full-back played the final 22 minutes of Chelsea’s 6-2 win over Derby County in a Premier League 2 fixture, which signalled that the situation was moving towards a resolution.
Chelsea had been hopeful of reaching an agreement with Acheampong to avoid losing one of their brightest talents.
In addition to Real Madrid’s interest, there have been enquiries from Liverpool, as well as Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, PSG, and Borussia Dortmund.
Despite the attention from other clubs, Acheampong, who has been at Chelsea since the Under-8s, has made it clear that he feels “very connected” to the club and is now all set to renew.
Source: AS