Chelsea remain in the hunt for a centre-back despite missing out on Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet at least this month. The Blues have since recalled Aaron Anselmino from Dortmund.
Tosin Adarabioyo’s hamstring injury, Benoit Badiashile’s error-laden performances and the risk of relying on Wesley Fofana to remain fit have caused Chelsea to accelerate summer plans and sign a defender.
The Blues wanted to sign France U21 star Jacquet from Rennes, but his price tag of £60m or more, as well as Rennes’ desire to keep him, has seen Chelsea pull out of a deal until the summer transfer window.
Fabrizio Romano reported that Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern will try for Jacquet in the summer, before Anselmino was recalled. Chelsea will make a decision on the former Dortmund loanee in the next days.
Discussion: You’re Chelsea manager, which centre-back would you sign?
A move for Jacquet hangs in the balance…
Carragher questions Jacquet signing
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But there is also the future of another defender that Chelsea fans are desperate to see Liam Rosenior, Todd Boehly and the rest of the Chelsea board get right. It is the future of teenager Josh Acheampong.
Josh Acheampong has suitors as Chelsea make stance clear
It is rare that a player comes through the academy given the revolving door in terms of transfers. But 19-year-old, London-born Acheampong is an exception to that. The versatile defender has been immense.
Of his 31 Chelsea outings, 17 have come this season, showing he can cover Malo Gusto at right-back and provide back-up in the middle. There is a strong chance he is involved against Napoli on Wednesday.
Josh Acheampong looks on during Wolverhampton Wanderers v Chelsea - Carabao Cup Fourth Round
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
But Acheampong has suitors, especially with Chelsea aiming to sign a defender. Bayern Munich want to land the Chelsea teen, while Crystal Palace like Acheampong as a replacement for captain Marc Guehi.
But Nizaar Kinsella writes on the BBC Sport website that Chelsea have made Acheampong abundantly ‘unavailable for sale’ amid rumours and links with other clubs. He has a contract until June 2029.
What Liam Rosenior has said about Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong
Rosenior has spoken very highly of Acheampong but there is also a hint at the defender’s future, too. Rosenior says he intends to push the versatile defender in training, suggesting he wants him to stay.
How much would you SELL Acheampong for? 😤
It would have to be a hefty price…
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He said, since taking over as Chelsea boss: “I’ve been so impressed with Josh. He’s a very level-headed kid with a lot of humility, which is a great sign. The beautiful thing he can play five different positions.
“He can play on the left, he can play centre-back, he can play right centre-back, he can play midfield, he can play on the wing. That’s a great thing to have for a player of his age, temperament,” Rosenior added.
“I’m going to keep pushing him and I’m going to keep demanding different things from him because he has a really, really bright future,” Rosenior continued, making sure that fans know he intends to keep him.
Whether Rosenior starts him against Napoli remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that Acheampong will be on the bench. All he needs are an injury or two to go his way and he’ll get a run of games.
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