Chelsea have a decision to make with Josh Acheampong amid interest from Italy.
On Thursday, it emerged that Acheampong is wanted by Fiorentina. The 19-year-old is currently vying for first-team minutes at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea now must decide if he is a long-term hold.
The centre-back situation has been a real pain point for Enzo Maresca this season.
Levi Colwill is sidelined with an ACL injury. Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile have been in and out of fitness. As a result, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo and Acheampong have been given more responsibility, and the latter hasn’t disappointed.
If Chelsea are indeed pondering Fiorentina’s offer, it might be useful to hear what Acheampong’s national team coach has to say.
Chelsea's Josh Acheampong and England Under-21s coach Lee Carsley
Photo by David Balogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Lee Carsley full of praise for Josh Acheampong
England Under-21s boss Lee Carsley is very familiar with some of Chelsea’s young talents.
Tyrique George, Jamie Gittens and Acheampong all feature regularly for him these days. George was a standout performer for England this week.
After two decisive wins and two clean sheets, Carsley singled out the Chelsea centre-back for his performances.
Speaking to the England team’s media, he said: “Josh is a player we rate highly and he’s doing well at Chelsea. He’s got a lot of potential and he just needs to keep playing and getting the experiences he’s getting with club and country.”
Acheampong has proved his worth for both teams this season, and his impressive displays are surely making Chelsea’s decision a simple one.
Josh King, Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong training for England Under-21s.
Photo by Barrington Coombs – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Acheampong has to stay at Chelsea
You would really hope these transfer rumours are coming from the buying side, and that Chelsea are not entertaining negotiations for their young defender.
Acheampong has all the tools to be a dominant centre-half in the Premier League, and is better on the ball than most of Maresca’s current options.
💙⭐️ First goal as professional for Josh Acheampong, key one for Chelsea and for the 19 year old defender.
Full trust from the club and Enzo Maresca as Chelsea decided against signing new CB in the summer also to let Acheampong develop, play and grow. pic.twitter.com/tFzhMTkD1N
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 18, 2025
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Chelsea will need to sign an established centre-back sooner rather than later, so someone will have to make way to free up the minutes.
But the academy graduate should be the last person considered for a sale. His upside is one thing, but many Chelsea fans want Acheampong to start over the likes of Chalobah, Adarabioyo, and Badiashile right now.
Shut it down.