Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says that they have no intention of selling Josh Acheampong this summer.
But Maresca has made it clear they have no interest in selling one of their best academy talents.
Ahead of Chelsea’s Club World Cup round-of-16 clash with Benfica, Maresca said (per The Athletic): “The clubs that you mentioned like Josh, but we also like Josh.
“All clubs like good players. My idea, my plan with Josh is quite clear. I really like Josh and I think potentially he can be a top defender for this club.
“It’s on him also to have the right timing to do things. We are full of young players here, full of talented players, even defenders, so I feel the best plan for Josh is to be with us, and I’m very happy if he’s going to be with us.”
Acheampong is the latest talent to come out of Chelsea’s academy.
After impressing with his displays for the youth teams, the youngster earned his first professional contract in January 2024 before making his first-team debut four months later.
He ended the 2024-25 campaign with 12 appearances across the Premier League, Conference League and EFL Cup.
The English footballer’s situation has sparked interest from Newcastle and Dortmund, but Chelsea have no plans to sanction an exit this summer.
The West Londoners are in a strong negotiating position, with the player contracted at Stamford Bridge until 2029.
Maresca is an admirer of Acheampong, who impressed at right-back, centre-back and even left-back last season.
The Italian boss started the 19-year-old in Chelsea’s 3-0 win over ES Tunis in their final group game at the Club World Cup.
Read the full article here