Chelsea set to fast-track Josh Acheampong to starting line-up as Newcastle transfer shut down
Chelsea have no interest in sanctioning a sale of defender Josh Acheampong in this summer’s transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
The 19-year-old remains very highly-regarded at Stamford Bridge, and the club hierarchy are intending to try and push him towards becoming a regular in the starting XI in the coming seasons.
Recent reports have suggested that Acheampong is unhappy with the amount of gametime that he is receiving in West London and would like a move as a result, but sources say that the Blues will not open the door for him to leave.
Newcastle and Crystal Palace are among a whole host of clubs who are interested in signing the starlet this summer, but a deal already appears set to be beyond their reach.
Chelsea’s transfer plans involve trying to safeguard their brightest talents for the future, and Acheampong falls into the category of a player who they simply do not want to lose.
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VISIT THE CHELSEA TRANSFER HUBJosh Acheampong earmarked for bigger role at Stamford Bridge
Acheampong burst onto the scene with the Chelsea first team last season, and he has continued to feature as part of the senior group this term.
Liam Rosenior has used the youngster sparingly since his arrival as manager back in January, but the academy graduate has still been able to rack up 24 appearances across all competitions this term.
| Stats | Acheampong | Chalobah | Fofana |
| Apps | 12 | 29 | 19 |
| Accurate Passes per 90 | 64 | 69.4 | 62.5 |
| Tackles per 90 | 1.42 | 1.23 | 1.13 |
| Duels Won per 90 | 5.35 | 4.37 | 6.98 |
| Interceptions per 90 | 1.57 | 1.2 | 1.83 |
| Dribbled Past per 90 | 0.47 | 0.32 | 0.28 |
Acheampong is currently behind the likes of Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana in the pecking order at the heart of the defence, but there is a clear plan for him to become one of the team’s key figures in the coming years.
He is capable of playing either at centre-back or in a right-back role, and that versatility is seen as another big tick against his name.
Chelsea were keen to knock back any suggestions of him potentially being moved on during the recent January window, and their similar stance on this occasion has reiterated their confidence in Acheampong.
Newcastle and Crystal Palace were seemingly heading a big group of Premier League clubs who were set to try and make a move for him this summer, but they are all now set to face disappointment.
Liam Rosenior still long-term man for Chelsea
Football Insider revealed on Monday that the Chelsea board remain behind Rosenior, and are prepared to give him “as much time as possible” in order to get the team on the right track.
Pressure has increased on the boss in the aftermath of the heavy defeat to PSG in the last 16 of the Champions League, but the board are keen to remain patient with the 41-year-old, and have no plans to sack him at the moment.
There is a feeling behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge that the club were reluctant to sack Enzo Maresca, and as a result, they have no desire to bring about another swift change in the dugout.
Rosenior has been identified as the man to lead the Blues forward in the next stage of their project, and the hierarchy are prepared to give him room to breathe in the job.
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