Chelsea making Josh Acheampong transfer decision – ‘He’s a very sought-after talent’
Josh Acheampong is being backed to remain at Chelsea and continue his impressive development at the London club.
That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes Chelsea would regret letting the 19-year-old leave.
Chelsea were prepared to let Acheampong leave in the summer transfer window, with Premier League and European clubs interested in the defender.
Instead the teenager has remained at Stamford Bridge, making 11 appearances in all competitions this season.
Josh Acheampong ‘staying at Chelsea’
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – doesn’t foresee Acheampong leaving Chelsea.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness believes selling the defender may not be a smart move by the club.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “He’s only 19, but when I looked again into the detail about him the last couple of seasons, he’s almost nearly tripled his minutes in terms of Premier League and Cup games for Chelsea over the last two seasons.
“So he is following a development track that’s pretty well recognised at that age group. I mean, he’s getting some playing time now, and he’s performed well. He is a quality player. And I think he’s going to be staying at Chelsea. I don’t see him moving.
“I think it could be the classic agent, you know, again, placing things in the media. I expect him to stay at Chelsea. And although I think he’s going to be a very sought-after talent, he’s a very, very talented young defender with an eye for a goal as well, on certain occasions.
“So I just like him, but I think he’s going to be staying at Chelsea. He’s one of those that I think they don’t want to cash in yet because that would come back to haunt them.”
Chelsea pursue new centre-back
Chelsea are targeting Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo, who could cost the Blues up to £50million.
Such a move could hit Acheampong’s development, but manager Enzo Maresca is keen to bolster his defensive ranks.
Maresca was dealt a blow in pre-season when Levi Colwill suffered an ACL injury, and the 22-year-old is not expected to feature this season.