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Xabi Alonso responds to Man Utd approach for Chelsea 'untouchable'

2 Jun 2026 06:32 BST | 4 min read

Xabi Alonso, Chelsea

Tom Weber

Tom Weber | Writer

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

Incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has revealed his transfer stance on Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong amid strong interest from Manchester United.

The 20-year-old is coming off a difficult season, and not just because the Blues finished 10th in the Premier League. It was a disappointing campaign on a personal level for Acheampong.

While he mostly did well when he played - there were times when Chelsea fans were begging for him to start over the club's more senior options - he often found regular game time hard to come by.

Ultimately, the England youth international made a respectable 30 appearances across all competitions, but he only played just under 1,300 minutes. He did not play in the Premier League for almost two months over the winter.

It is fair to say that it wasn't quite what he had expected heading into the season. Last summer, Acheampong snubbed interest from Borussia Dortmund and other suitors because of the belief that he would see regular action rather than just the occasional substitute outing.

Chelsea respond to Acheampong interest

His lack of action and the managerial uncertainty at Chelsea have now emboldened admirers to once again come to the fore and try their luck for the versatile defender.

Ben Jacobs recently revealed that Man Utd were considering Acheampong as a right-sided defensive option, though he made sure to emphasise that a move would only be possible if the youngster were to agitate for it.

Josh Acheampong

Chelsea's stance for the past year has been that Acheampong is "untouchable" because of his immense potential. Only the player's desire to move could have changed that. However, the 20-year-old was planning to speak to new manager Xabi Alonso before making a firm decision.

It now appears that this has become a moot point. According to Jacobs and Fabrizio Romano, Alonso has made it clear that he is counting on Acheampong next season. It is the first major call made by the new Blues boss, Romano writes.

Alonso believes that the youngster can become an "important" part of his side, which means that Chelsea's transfer stance remains unchanged. Acheampong is still "untouchable."

Accordingly, Chelsea have blocked all approaches for him. It is claimed that "multiple" clubs from the Premier League and across Europe have attempted to hold talks over Acheampong, only to be rebuffed by the Stamford Bridge club.

Jacobs notes that Man Utd, Man City and Bayern Munich are all known admirers of the Chelsea starlet. However, unless Alonso has a change of heart - or Acheampong wants a new challenge - the wonderkid's suitors will once again be left chasing shadows.