West Ham United are reportedly keen on signing teenage defensive sensation Josh Acheampong from Chelsea this summer.
According to a report from ExWHUEmployee via The West Ham Way, West Ham United are interested in the services of Josh Acheampong. Graham Potter wants to reinforce his backline ahead of next season. The former Chelsea boss wants to bring in young players who can help them in the long run, and he feels the Chelsea sensation could help their cause.
Graham Potter and the West Ham United chief have both worked with the young defensive sensation during their time at the Blues. They feel he could be a great fit for their project. But luring the youngster away from Chelsea won’t be easy.
A well-known West Ham insider told The West Ham Way, “It has also emerged that the club are interested in young Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong. The defender last year signed a five year deal so it’s unlikely that Chelsea will let him go for a small amount.
“He can play at centre back and right back and stands at 6 foot 5. The player was born and raised in Waltham Forest so not far from West Ham and has represented England at Under 20 level as well as being eligible for Mo Kudus’ national side, Ghana. Both Graham Potter and Kyle Macauley are very aware of the player from their Chelsea days.”
Josh Acheampong has been a part of the Chelsea setup since his childhood days. He came up the ranks at some pace and got promoted to their first team towards the end of last year. So far, the youngster has managed in a total of nine first-team appearances.
The Blues are well aware of the teenager’s potential and consider him an important part of their long-term plans. The English youth international stands 6 feet 5 inches tall and is equally effective as a right-back as well as a centre-back.
West Ham could make a move for Acheampong
Josh Acheampong’s impressive rise, along with his massive potential, has put him on the radar of West Ham. Potter and Macauley are the biggest reasons behind the Hammers’ interest in his signature. The Hammers have just four centre-backs in their squad, and their new manager is eager to strengthen the depth in that position.
The West Ham manager wants to bring in young stars who can help them in the long run, and they consider the Chelsea sensation an ideal fit for his system and their project. But Chelsea have no intentions of negotiating his departure. They offered him a new five-year deal when he was promoted to their first team.
With his contract running until 2029, West Ham will certainly struggle to negotiate with their London rivals. They will have to fork out a fortune to convince them, and even then, it might not be that easy. However, the Hammers have other defenders on their radar, including CJ Egan-Riley.