Bayern Munich are considering a move for Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong in the ultimate week of the January transfer window, in response to reports.
Acheampong is very regarded by Chelsea, and the Blues should not trying to sell the defender, who has made 17 appearances in all competitions thus far this season.
But regardless, several clubs are monitoring the progress of the 19-year-old, who has not been an everyday starter under either Enzo Maresca or recent head coach Liam Rosenior.
The Guardian reports that German giants Bayern are excited by a move for Acheampong and haven’t ruled out the opportunity of lodging a bid before the top of the January window.
Crystal Palace are also said to be excited by the young, versatile defender after they sold captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City.
Acheampong is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2029 having signed a five-year deal in December 2024 after speculation over his long-term future on the club.
But that speculation looks set to accentuate again, particularly if Acheampong doesn’t get regular minutes under Rosenior.
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Trevor Chalobah and Wesley Fofana look like the first-choice pairing, but Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badisahille have also been preferred to the 19-year-old in recent games against Brentford and Pafos.
And Chelsea’s pursuit of young defender Jeremy Jacquet could see Acheampong slip further down the pecking order.
The Blues have reportedly agreed personal terms with Jacquet but are still yet to return to an agreement with Rennes over a fee, with the French club said to be demanding a club-record £56million.
Asked in regards to the potential departure of Jacquet, Rennes boss Habib Beye said on Friday: ‘There are still a couple of days left within the transfer window; anything can occur. We’d like things to be as calm as possible.’
Elsewhere, Chelsea are also trying to bolster their options in midfield, and have reportedly held talks with Juventus over a straight loan deal for Douglas Luiz.
Luiz is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, but has began just two league games for the reason that arrival of Sean Dyche.
Asked about speculation over Luiz’s future at Forest, Dyche said: ‘He’s a superb player. I said once we played him in Europe (before Christmas) we probably rushed him back, but due to his experience he has used that correctly to be back.
‘It doesn’t surprise me there may be interest from other clubs in good players. That’s the character of the business.
‘It’s a doubled-edged sword. You type of want people excited by your players, which means they’re doing job and are good players, but you don’t since you don’t want them coming knocking on the door.
‘That’s part of contemporary football.’
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