Chelsea are reportedly dealing with frustration as they suspect one of their “fantastic” young prospects might be making plans to leave the club without their full knowledge.
Through his representatives, the player appears to be exploring potential moves elsewhere, much to Chelsea’s disappointment and concern.
Since Enzo Maresca took over as head coach, Chelsea has undergone significant roster changes.
A large number of players have been either sold, loaned out, or released in an attempt to revamp the squad and adjust the team’s dynamics.
High-profile players like Ian Maatsen, Conor Gallagher, and Raheem Sterling have been linked with possible transfers, and with ongoing efforts to balance the lineup, more departures could be on the horizon.
Chelsea is currently planning to loan out Mykhailo Mudryk in January due to his limited role under Maresca, as the club looks to find him more playing time elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Carney Chukwuemeka, another midfielder on the squad, is also considering opportunities to secure more minutes on the pitch.
Ben Chilwell, who has had reduced playtime this season, may find a fresh start with Manchester United, who are rumored to be interested in acquiring him when the transfer window opens in January.
Among the club’s promising younger players, Josh Acheampong, a highly-regarded full-back, has reportedly been exploring options with other clubs.
According to The Athletic, Acheampong has been left out of Chelsea’s Under-21 squad until he decides to extend his contract, which currently runs until 2026.
He’s drawing interest from elite clubs such as Real Madrid and PSG, who are hoping to benefit from his growing frustration over limited first-team opportunities, particularly during times when Chelsea’s starting right-back Reece James has been unavailable due to injury.
Chelsea is keen to keep hold of Acheampong, recognizing his great potential.
Maresca has publicly commended Acheampong’s abilities, describing the young player’s performances as “fantastic” and showing appreciation for his talent.
Nonetheless, even with this praise, Chelsea faces a challenge in convincing Acheampong to remain committed to the club for the long term.
As Chelsea works to strike the right balance in their squad, both established and emerging players are assessing their futures.
Maresca’s roster overhaul signals a period of transition for the team, and while Chelsea hopes to retain key talents, the club also faces the reality of increased competition from Europe’s top clubs.
The situation with Acheampong highlights the difficulty Chelsea may encounter in holding on to their talented youngsters, especially as other major clubs monitor the situation and potentially seek to entice players away with promises of greater opportunities and career progression.
Chelsea’s management remains focused on building a squad that aligns with Maresca’s vision, but the player movement and persistent interest from top European teams will likely keep Chelsea on its toes in the months ahead.
