Real Madrid and PSG enter race to sign Chelsea youth star this summer - Reports
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have reportedly registered their interest in Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong this summer window. The Blues have been left with a severely bloated squad after making multiple signings in this window and failing to sell many players.
Academy graduate Acheampong has impressed consecutive managers at Stamford Bridge despite being only 18. The teenager was handed his professional debut by Mauricio Pochettino in the 2023-24 season. New manager Enzo Maresca picked him ahead of Trevoh Chalobah for their pre-season tour of the USA.
The Independent is reporting that two of Europe's leading sides, Real Madrid and PSG, are keen on signing the 18-year-old right-back this summer. Both sides will be willing to offer up to €15 million for the youngster, who has only one competitive senior appearance to his name.
A Chelsea player since the age of eight, Josh Acheampong is an excellent right-back who is also capable of playing as a centre-back. The England U-17 international is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2026, but a sale cannot be ruled out as it will represent profit for the Blues.
Acheampong may consider leaving Stamford Bridge due to the quality of players ahead of him in the pecking order at the club. Club captain Reece James and Malo Gusto have both proven themselves at right-back and may both be considered young at 24 and 21, respectively. The Blues lost out on signing Brazilian youngster Pedro Lima this summer because of Acheampong.
Real Madrid are looking to sign a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal at right-back, and PSG are keen to add quality depth to their squad. Both sides are yet to register any official approaches for the youngster, but movement is expected before the end of August.
Chelsea complete signing of Argentine youngster
Chelsea have completed the signing of Argentine teenager Aaron Anselmino on a permanent deal from Boca Juniors. The Blues paid a sum of £17 million including add-ons to sign the talented 19-year-old on a seven-year deal.
Anselmino was on the radar of Manchester United earlier this summer before deciding to sign with the Blues, instead. The youngster can play in midfield as well as centre-back, and is known for his composure on the ball, a trait of modern defenders. Anselmino made only 10 senior appearances for Boca Juniors before sealing the switch to England.
Aaron Anselmino will spend the 2024-25 season on loan at the Argentine club before potentially returning to Stamford Bridge in June 2025. The teenager becomes Chelsea's eighth permanent addition this summer. They signed Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Renato Veiga, Filip Jorgensen, Omari Kellyman, and Caleb Wiley.