Manchester United are weighing up a shock summer raid for Chelsea’s highly-rated defender Josh Acheampong as Michael Carrick looks to beef up his defensive line.
While Chelsea are desperate to keep their academy graduate, the player could contemplate an exit if his pathway to regular gametime is blocked.
With a new era dawning at Stamford Bridge next season, there could be some uncertainty for the player’s future. It could well see Manchester being the ideal place to continue his rapid development.
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Uncertainty Around Acheampong Future
According to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, Manchester United’s interest in the Blues defender is growing. Speaking on the YouTube channel of The United Stand, however, the journalist did note that “Chelsea have always said [he] is not for sale”.
This is said to be a “genuine stance” from BlueCo, who manage operations at the West London club. Acheampong is currently viewed as an “untouchable” asset. The 20-year-old has made 20 appearances in all competitions this season, making 8 Premier League starts.
Despite Chelsea’s position, the situation is complicated by yet another managerial change at the club. Earlier this season, they sacked Liam Rosenior and have recently made Xabi Alonso their manager from July.
It is currently unknown who the former Real Madrid manager will prefer in his starting eleven next season. For Acheampong, this makes his long-term pathway at the club currently unclear. Moreover, Jacobs states that “Chelsea [are] looking to sign another starting new centre-back”, which could further limit the academy graduates’ gametime.
Acheampong is reportedly hesitant to wait around. The journalist revealed on the episode that the youngster is open to “exploring options if he isn’t quite getting regular gametime”. However, United face competition from Manchester City, who are also interested in his defensive services.
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Will Reds Make Move?
United’s pursuit of Acheampong makes some sense. INEOS are hunting for talented young stars to act as long-term successors. Despite extending the contract of Harry Maguire, the view is for the likes of Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, and perhaps Acheampong to transition into senior roles at Old Trafford.
Additioanlly, Matthijs de Ligt will not be ready for the start of the new season due to undergoing extensive back surgery. This has left Michael Carrick looking light at the back heading into preseason.
United also face a demanding schedule and has lots of games next season across multiple competitions. Carrick needs versatile depth, and Acheampong already has some experience at the highest level. INEOS have shown that they are not afraid to make a move for London prospects in the past. Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven came from Arsenal’s Hale End academy, with the Reds also still interested in Myles Lewis-Skelly this summer.
Acheampong’s ability to cover right-back is also attractive given possible interest from Real Madrid in Diogo Dalot. If the Portuguese star does depart to reunite with Jose Mourinho, Acheampong would provide competition behind Noussair Mazraoui.
As the situation develops further into the summer, both player and clubs will have a better idea of whether the 20-year-old fits Xabi Alonso’s long-term vision at Chelsea.
