Barcelona have already been linked with a couple of Chelsea players ahead of the summer window, and now, the La Liga giants have opened talks over a move for Josh Acheampong.
Another mass turnover of players is expected at Chelsea, with Todd Boehly and Clearlake likely to fund a wave of new signings. But plenty will have to leave, given the bloated nature of Liam Rosenior’s squad.
Chelsea will be in the market for a new goalkeeper as a priority, but also high on the agenda is sorting out Chelsea’s centre-back options. As things stand, Chelsea have 10 centre-backs on the books.
Chelsea draw Leeds in the FA Cup semi-finals!
Joe Cole says it is a "feisty" tie.
Joe Cole looks on during Manchester United FC v Aston Villa FC - Premier League
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, Mamadou Sarr, Jorrel Hato, Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong, and Levi Colwill are at Chelsea. Axel Disasi and Aaron Anselmino are out on loan.
It means two or three will have to leave, with Disasi likely to join West Ham permanently if the Hammers stay up and Anselmino likely to go on loan again. Acheampong is being linked with plenty of clubs.
Barcelona open surprise talks to sign Josh Acheampong
Still only 19, Rosenior rates Acheampong highly. He has even spoken to the player’s family and has a long-term plan for the England U21 defender, using him as a right-back but aware he’s a centre-back.
But Acheampong has played just 1200 minutes of football this season. The defender will know that a move elsewhere may allow him to play more. Clubs are beginning to queue up for Acheampong.
Josh Acheampong during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
In January, Man City were interested, as were Bayern Munich and Crystal Palace, who needed to replace Marc Guehi. More recently, it was claimed Newcastle and Liverpool were keeping tabs on Acheampong.
Now, Spanish reporter Aaron Ramiro reports that alongside Man City and Bayern Munich opening talks with Acheampong’s representatives, Barcelona have also started speaking to the defender’s agents.
Ramiro reported on X, over the weekend: “Barcelona, Manchester City and Bayern Munich make direct contact with Josh Acheampong’s representatives ahead of summer window.”
Acheampong is not the only Chelsea player that Barca want
As aforementioned, another mass turnover of players is expected at Chelsea. Especially if the Blues fail to qualify for the Champions League. Marc Cucurella has hinted he would join Barcelona if given the option.
Who would you sign to replace Marc Cucurella?
He hasn't ruled out a Chelsea exit…
Marc Cucurella discussing his future
But Cucurella is not the only one. Chelsea winger Pedro Neto is also supposedly on Barcelona’s radar, while Joao Pedro’s representatives are said to have picked up the phone and discussed joining Barca.
It would be a surprise, then, if a player has not left Chelsea to join Barcelona with Cucurella, Acheampong, Neto and Pedro all linked with a move to the Nou Camp. Acheampong has a contract until 2029.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox