West Ham’s pursuit of Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong might suddenly have become realistic.
Highly rated in both Chelsea and England circles, the 19-year-old would be a statement signing this summer.
Here is why the Hammers should feel more confident about agreeing a deal for Acheampong after the Blues’ latest FA Cup victory.
What a STATEMENT this would be! ✍️ 💫
How would you convince Josh Acheampong to leave Chelsea?
Josh Acheampong of Chelsea during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Wrexham and Chelsea on March 07, 2026 in Wrexham, Wales.
Why Josh Acheampong to West Ham could happen this summer
West Ham are reportedly one of several Premier League teams interested in signing Acheampong from Chelsea.
Newcastle and Tottenham have been linked with a move for the wonderkid, as well as Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
He has often impressed in a Blues shirt, but his opportunities have typically been limited to cup games against weaker opposition.
Even when the likes of Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana have struggled, Acheampong has not overtaken them in the pecking order.
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Already frustrated by his lack of game time, he will now feel even more annoyed after Liam Rosenior’s latest team selection.
DISCUSS: How much would you pay for Axel Disasi? 💷
Disasi has THREE years left on his Chelsea contract…
Axel Disasi at the end of the match during the Premier League match between Fulham and West Ham United
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Acheampong did not start the Blues’ 7-0 FA Cup quarter-final win against Port Vale on Saturday and only came on with four minutes to go.
This sums up his problem at Stamford Bridge, with too many players ahead of him at centre-back and right-back.
If he cannot even start against League One opposition, he must be wondering whether Rosenior has any confidence in him at all.
It would not be a surprise if Acheampong were to leave this summer, and West Ham should be at the front of the queue.
Unlike at Bayern, Newcastle or Tottenham, there is a place in Nuno Espirito Santo’s line-up that Acheampong could fill immediately.
While a permanent move for Axel Disasi would make sense, Acheampong has a much higher ceiling and would be a major coup.
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