Middlesbrough have made enquiries regarding Chelsea defenders Alfie Gilchrist and Josh Acheampong, Graeme Bailey has claimed.
Middlesbrough are in for an important summer window as they build for a new chapter. Boro made the call to part ways with Michael Carrick earlier this month, and it seems his replacement is inbound.
It has been widely reported that Rob Edwards is expected to take the reins at the Riverside Stadium, landing his first job after being sacked by Luton Town during the 2024/25 campaign.
middlesbrough, Middlesbrough express interest in talented Chelsea duo
Image courtesy of: MATTHEW CHILDS/REUTERS.
Edwards will be out to quickly make a mark on Teesside, and if previous windows are anything to go by, he will be backed by Boro chiefs in the transfer market.
Now, speaking to EFL Analysis, reporter Graeme Bailey has claimed that Middlesbrough have two Chelsea prospects on their shortlist in Alfie Gilchrist and Josh Acheampong.
Bailey states enquires have been made regarding both talented defenders, though Acheampong may not be sent to a Championship club. He said:
“He’s one [Gilchrist] who Middlesbrough have enquired about previously. They also asked about Josh Acheampong, but I don’t think he will come to the Championship.”
The reporter later adds that rumoured Boro target Gilchrist has ‘plenty of interest’, though it remains ‘early days’.
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Gilchrist or Acheampong, not both
Gilchrist and Acheampong are two prospects held in high regard by Chelsea and would be solid additions forMiddlesbrough. However, looking at the duo, it feels as though it would have to be one or the other signed, rather than both.
21-year-old Gilchrist came through the ranks primarily playing centre-back but has shifted over to the right-hand side of defence in his breakthrough. He can still cover in the middle, but his stature is better suited to right-back.
middlesbrough, Middlesbrough express interest in talented Chelsea duo
Image courtesy of: DYLAN MARTINEZ/REUTERS.
As for Acheampong, he too can cover centrally, but he primarily plays at right-back.
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Given the similarities between the positions they can play, Boro are unlikely to be able to play both in the same team at the same time. With game time sure to be key to their development, it feels unlikely that both would join, but rather just one of them.
Change afoot at Middlesbrough
With Edwards set to take over at Middlesbrough after Carrick’s departure, a summer of change likely lays ahead.
Boro will know they have to back the new boss to shape the squad to his liking, though their recruitment profile is unlikely to change. They will be eager to strike a fine balance of players who can develop into big assets and experienced figures who can lead them in a demanding Championship campaign.
It means it is unlikely to be a cheap summer for Boro, but if they want to disrupt the second tier’s top sides again, they must spend well.
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