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Man Utd want Chelsea 'untouchable' - and Xabi Alonso could sell him

Updated: 23 May 2026 13:59 BST | 4 min read

Xabi Alonso, Chelsea, Man Utd

Tom Weber

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

Manchester United have taken a liking to Chelsea wonderkid Josh Acheampong, who could look to leave Stamford Bridge if he does not receive game time assurances from incoming manager Xabi Alonso.

The 20-year-old has been regarded as one of the most promising prospects in the Chelsea youth setup for several years. A versatile defender, Acheampong has all the trappings of a future superstar.

This fact is widely recognised and has manifested itself in persistent interest from suitors. Last summer, Borussia Dortmund offered Acheampong the chance to get regular minutes at a high level. However, the defender decided to stay in West London.

Acheampong was under the impression that he would get significant game time in 2025/26, but this ultimately did not really materialise. He has played just 1,290 minutes of senior football this term.

From the start of November through late December, Acheampong did not make a single Premier League appearance. Prior to the recent midweek match against Tottenham, in which he received a rare start, the 20-year-old had played just 13 minutes of top-flight football in the previous 10 games.

Acheampong could ask to leave Chelsea

To say that this season hasn't been what he expected would be an understatement. Understandably, Acheampong is deliberating his future at Stamford Bridge. The impending arrival of Xabi Alonso as manager could be an opportunity for him to finally break through properly.

By the same token, though, Alonso could also just not fancy Acheampong. We simply don't know yet. What is clear, however, is that the youngster could look to leave the club if it becomes clear to him that he will continue to struggle for game time next season.

Josh Acheampong

This has naturally piqued the interest of suitors, and Ben Jacobs reports that Man Utd are among the clubs with a strong appreciation for Acheampong. Chelsea's transfer stance remains that the 20-year-old is untouchable, but this could change if he asks to leave.

Speaking about the Red Devils' potential defensive targets, Jacobs told The United Stand: "Murillo has been discussed in the past. A more right-sided option, Josh Acheampong, who Chelsea have always said, 'he is just not for sale. Period.'

"And I am led to believe that’s a genuine stance. But Acheampong, who is also on the radar of Manchester City, is going to have to understand, heading into the new season under a new manager, how often is he going to play?

"Because Chelsea are looking to sign another new starting centre-back. Maybe, if Alonso reverts to his favoured back-three, Acheampong gets more opportunities, maybe he doesn’t.

"So, Chelsea’s perspective is he’s pretty much untouchable, but information is that the player would be interested in exploring options if he feels he is not going to be getting regular game time next season."

Evidently, Acheampong could become one of the protagonists of the upcoming summer transfer window.