(Credit: Imago)

Evan Shaw

Mon 23 March 2026 13:30, UK

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Crystal Palace could provide the perfect next move for Chelsea right-back Josh Acheampong this summer, amid suggestions that he is ready to leave Stamford Bridge.

The 19-year-old has started just seven games in the Premier League so far this season, and as a result, he is ready to pursue a move to try and secure more regular gametime, according to journalist Ekrem Konur.

The England U21 international is being pursued by a whole host of clubs ahead of next season, with the likes of Palace, Newcastle, West Ham, Tottenham and Bournemouth all showing an interest.

Acheampong is also on the radar of some top European clubs, with Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund both monitoring his progress at the moment.

His departure from the West London outfit appears to be highly likely ahead of 2026-27, but Palace could be one of the favourites to secure his services, despite the calibre of some of their competitors.

Crystal Palace blueprint clear for Josh Acheampong

Young defenders have flourished at Selhurst Park in recent seasons, with Marc Guehi finally earning his move to Manchester City back in January, and Jaydee Canvot now impressing in his absence.

The 19-year-old is already emerging on the radars of some of European football’s top clubs, and he is yet another example of the blueprint that has seen Palace turn young defensive talents into hugely sought-after stars.

The evidence of the growth of players like Guehi and Canvot will be a huge tick against the Eagles’ name when it comes to Acheampong choosing his next club, as he will be keen to try and replicate those stars.

Palace could also be about to lose some of their options on the right of their defence this summer, with Daniel Munoz likely to receive interest from elsewhere once again.

Nathaniel Clyne is also out of contract at the end of the campaign, and at 34, will not be a long-term solution, even if the club ultimately do decide to hand him a last-minute deal.

With that in mind, the door also looks set to be open for Acheampong to head straight into the team and become one of its key players, which is the key aim behind his desire to leave Stamford Bridge.

The only thing that doesn’t work in Palace’s favour at the moment is the uncertainty surrounding their managerial situation, but Steve Parish and Co. will surely be hoping to resolve that as early as possible this summer.

Acheampong arrival could counter summer exodus

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider at the end of February that Crystal Palace are fearing an exodus of some of their key players this summer.

The Eagles have become accustomed to facing significant speculation regarding some of their key players, with the likes of Adam Wharton and Dean Henderson continuing to be linked with a move away at the moment.

If the South Londoners ultimately do end up losing some of their most important figures ahead of next term, then a rebuild will inevitably be on the cards.

That is often the perfect time to try and bring in young players like Acheampong, and to try and identify their next crop of developing stars.

It remains to be seen how Chelsea will respond to the interest, but if Acheampong is successful in his attempts to find a new club, then Palace could be the perfect fit for him.