Real Madrid are constantly keeping an eye out for the chance to sign the best young talent across the globe, and it appears that has brought them to one of Chelsea’s rising talents. 18-year-old defender Josh Acheampong’s future is being called into question.
Acheampong can play at right-back primarily, but also at centre-back, and his suitors believe he would be available for around €15m, say The Independent. Los Blancos do face competition from Paris Saint-Germain, who both consider Acheampong as an opportunity to swipe one of Europe’s top talents.
Chelsea insist they are not interested in selling Acheampong, and Enzo Maresca is keen to hold onto him too, but things could all come to a head in the coming months. With Chesea battling financial fair play regulations, Acheampong would be quick profit this summer, as was the case for Conor Gallagher, who is joining Atletico Madrid, as an academy talent.
Acheampong’s contract also expires in 2026, meaning they will either be assessing a sale this summer or looking to hand him a new deal in the next 12 months, to avoid losing him on the cheap.
Real Madrid are looking at long-term options at right-back with Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez a couple of years into their thirties, and are also working on a deal for Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold if he does not renew his deal. He would obviously be ready to battle for the starting spot immediately, but they do have talented academy prospect Jesus Fortea, who is 17, and Acheampong might clash with their development plan for him.