Josh Acheampong: Chelsea set asking price for Man United target | OneFootball

Manchester United’s hopes of striking a deal for Chelsea starlet Josh Acheampong have taken a sharp twist, if the latest report is to be believed.

The Untouchable

Acheampong, 20, is seen as one of the best prospects to emerge from Chelsea’s esteemed academy in recent years, offering the prototype of a modern defender.

Standing 6’3″, with an excellent blend of physical and technical qualities, the England under-21 international is rated incredibly highly at Stamford Bridge. He operates primarily as a centre-back but can also play at right-back, and made 29 appearances in a chaotic campaign for the Blues which saw both Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior lose their jobs.

Xabi Alonso is now the man at the helm in west London, with the Spanish tactician understood to already view the youngster as an important building block in his new side, leading to reports that Chelsea consider him “untouchable” amid growing interest.

United are one admirer, with the Red Devils planning for a long-term successor to Harry Maguire after the 33-year-old put pen to paper on a one-year contract extension in April.

Manchester City and Bayern Munich are two other heavyweights with an eye on the Cobham graduate, who transfer expert Ben Jacobs reveals is “interested in exploring options if he feels he’s not going to be getting regular game time next season.”

The Price is Right

Sports Boom now claims inside sources at Stamford Bridge indicate Chelsea would in fact be “prepared to listen to offers” if their valuation – understood to be around £25 million – is met.

The Blues have become notorious for spending big in the transfer market since the consortium BlueCo took charge in 2022, but these massive outlays are only possible by consistently selling the club’s best academy talent, as this generates ‘pure profit’ from a PSR perspective.

The fact that Chelsea have missed out on European football completely this season leaves their financial situation fragile and their squad bloated. Difficult decisions will need to be made, with Acheampong looking like he may be a victim of this.

The report states Brentford have “entered the race” for the defender, having opened “early discussions over a deal” with their local rival.

Arsenal, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are mentioned as other suitors, while newly promoted Coventry City are interested in a loan deal.

Brentford officials are said to be “hoping they can negotiate a deal closer to the £18million-£20million mark, believing there is significant value in a player they view as one of the country’s most exciting young defenders.”

But if Acheampong is unexpectedly available for a cut-price transfer, Manchester United will surely already be preparing a raid before the Bees, or one of their other Premier League competitors, gets the chance to strike first.

Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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