Chelsea respond as Arsenal and Man Utd show interest in defender

Chelsea insist Josh Acheampong is not for sale, despite some very high profile interest in the young defender.

The 20-year-old came through the academy ranks and made his senior Chelsea debut in May 2024, with his influence on the first team growing since then.

He made 30 appearances last season in all competitions, 17 of which came in the Premier League and five more in the Champions League.

Acheampong only turned 20 in May and has been capped up to Under-21 level for England, playing six times for Lee Carsley’s side.

The versatile defender can play at centre-back or on either side of defence and his potential has attracted plenty of attention.

Transfer expert Ben Jacobs, via the London is Blue podcast, states that Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Bayern Munich have all shown an interest in the young defender.

This has not amounted to bids of any sort at this stage, but the interested parties have ‘looked to develop relationships on the player side’ in case a move can be made.

Chelsea have reportedly made it clear that any approach will be turned down, with Acheampong considered not for sale.

While the defender hasn’t entirely been able to nail down a place in the starting XI yet, the Blues see him as a big part of their future.

However, much of the club’s immediate future will be decided by incoming manager Xabi Alonso when he arrives to take charge in the coming days.

The former Real Madrid boss will want to take stock of his players before making any decisions on who he sees in his plans and who is expendable.

Chelsea have already lost a significant figure in their squad this summer, with Marc Cucurella departing for Real Madrid.

A replacement at left-back will be high on the club’s priority list, with just Jorrel Hato in that position after the Spaniard’s departure.