Xabi Alonso and Chelsea have made their first big decision together regarding the current squad, with Josh Acheampong set to play a crucial role under the new manager.
Despite not getting to work officially for another month, Alonso has been busy working out the current players in the squad he wants to build around.
Alonso wanted to keep Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella, however is accepting that the duo want to leave the club due to the years of uncertainty under the current ownership.
Xabi Alonso makes Josh Acheampong an untouchable at Chelsea
As well as the big names, the young members of the club have been handed another chance to make their mark at the club with a new manager coming in.
Josh Acheampong firmly fits into this category after hardly featuring previously under both Liam Rosenior and Enzo Maresca during the 2025/26 season.
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Despite his lack of previous minutes at the club, it seems Alonso sees it differently, and is ready to make him an important member of the squad.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the club and manager have decided together that the young defender is ‘untouchable’, rejecting approaches from multiple clubs.
He said: “Chelsea reject approaches from clubs around Europe and two from Premier League for Josh Acheampong. Defender seen as untouchable for the new era under Xabi Alonso, first decision made together between Chelsea and new coach. Acheampong stays, under contract until 2029.”
Acheampong not happy at Chelsea
Despite the Spaniard wanting to keep him, there is going to be some work needed to convince the defender that Chelsea is the right club to be at.
Acheampong has reportedly grown unhappy at Stamford Bridge following the lack of opportunities. Mamadou Sarr and Jorrel Hato have seemed to be ahead of him in the pecking order at times.
Bayern Munich have been obsessed with signing Acheampong, with them enjoying the benefits of signing an English player recently in the form of Harry Kane.
The youngster will be available from the first day of pre-season, where he will be handed a full summer to impress Alonso and earn his place in the starting side by the time the Premier League gets underway.
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