Manchester City and Bayern Munich have registered an interest in Josh Acheampong, GMS understands. That’s despite Chelsea not planning or wishing to sanction an exit.
The 19-year-old is not agitating for a move away from Stamford Bridge, having been at the club for ten years, but is aware of growing interest. Neither club has made any formal contact with Chelsea and there is no guarantee anything develops this winter, especially given Chelsea's stance and Acheampong's commitment to the club. But both Manchester City and Bayern are understood to be watching Acheampong’s game time closely in case an opportunity presents itself next year.
Chelsea View Acheampong's Development as on TrackJosh Acheampong in action for Chelsea
Acheampong has made 11 appearances in all competitions this season, including playing in five Premier League games. Yet he hadn’t started a game since October for Chelsea before being named in the starting line-up to face Atalanta. Although Chelsea lost that Champions League tie 2-1, the England youth defender put in an assured performance, including a first-half block to save a near-certain goal.
Acheampong was also one of Chelsea’s standout players as the Blues beat Cardiff City 2-1 to book their place in the EFL Cup semi-finals.
“The good thing about Josh is that in the moment we give him a chance, he is always doing well,’ said Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca earlier this month.
“This is the reason why I said many times he is going to be a big player for this club. It’s just a matter of being patient, waiting for the right moment and also knowing that if he continues to perform in the way he is doing, he is going to have more and more chances.”
Acheampong, who can play right-back or centre-back, was the subject of an approach from Bournemouth over the summer, but Chelsea did not wish to engage and it’s believed their position hasn’t changed.
Why Chelsea Want Acheampong to Stay
enzo maresca
Chelsea are firm in their desire not to let Acheampong leave, but that hasn’t stopped suitors making formative enquiries.
Although Chelsea could potentially add a new senior defender in 2026, it is viewed as unlikely this happens in January unless a market opportunity presents itself that is simply too strong to turn down. There is faith in several defensive partnerships from existing defenders at the club. And Chelsea have been boosted by the return to fitness of Wesley Fofana, who has been sidelined for various injuries for much of his Chelsea career.
Chelsea’s value Acheampong highly and believe his pathway is on track by staying at Stamford Bridge.
Dario Essugo is another player drawing loan interest, although the priority for Chelsea is his fitness following surgery for a thigh issue. LaLiga side Levante are looking for a midfielder and have the 20-year-old Portuguese as one of several names on their shortlist for a potential loan.
Essugo's representatives have held some initial conversations with clubs in the latter part of the year, but Chelsea are yet to finalise a plan given Essugo has been sidelined, and the first priority is to get him back available for selection and in doing so have another option to ease the burden on Moises Caicedo's worlkload.