Chelsea close to agreeing Josh Acheampong deal – Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has revealed Chelsea are closing in on a contract renewal for young defender Josh Acheampong.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted he expects the teenager’s controversial exclusion at Stamford Bridge to “blow over”.
The Athletic reported last week (22 October) that Acheampong will not play for any of Chelsea’s first team or development sides until he agrees a new deal.
The 18-year-old, who has made two senior appearances for the club, is under contract at Stamford Bridge until June 2026.
According to The Times (22 October), Chelsea have been left “bewildered” by the situation as they believed a new deal had been agreed with the defender – who has been linked with Liverpool.
Chelsea close to agreeing Acheampong deal, says Wyness
Wyness claimed the Blues are closing in on a more “graduated” contract deal.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I am hearing rumours that Chelsea are getting much closer to a deal.
“That would be the best solution for everybody.
“Acheampong is supposed to be a great talent, but perhaps his agent was stretching for too much money, too young.
“But I believe they are getting closer to a more graduated settlement and contract.
“I expect this one to blow over.
“Nevertheless, this is the sort of negotiating tactic the clubs won’t be able to use much longer. That all plays into more player power going forward.”
In other news, West Ham backed to complete Ben Chilwell signing.
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