Josh Acheampong: Chelsea reject approaches for 20-year-old defender

Football reporterPublished1 June 2026Updated 2 June 2026Chelsea have rejected multiple approaches for defender Josh Acheampong.

The 20-year-old is a graduate of the academy at Stamford Bridge and as reported elsewhere has been given 'untouchable' status in terms of his future.

It puts him in the same category as players such as forwards Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer, and midfielder Moises Caicedo.

That is despite the fact the England Under-21s international only made 17 Premier League appearances last season, with nine of those as a substitute.

It is unclear whether Acheampong, whose Chelsea contract expires in 2029, is looking for a move away.

There remains questions from those close to the centre-back, as they have not yet had direct assurances of regular first-team football or a plan for his future development.

That lack of clarity comes at a time when there is frustration about his lack of minutes and interest being registered directly to his camp from a number of Premier League and overseas clubs.

Arsenal, Newcastle and Crystal Palace are known to be monitoring the situation while Bournemouth also retain an interest in Acheampong from last summer.

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