Crystal Palace interested in Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong | OneFootball

Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong is in high demand this summer, with a number of clubs in England and abroad monitoring his situation.

Crystal Palace are the latest to sound out an interest. According to The Telegraph, the Eagles are keen to sign the talented defender on a season-long loan.

Acheampong is highly rated at Chelsea. Since coming through the club’s Cobham Academy, Acheampong has made it clear that he wants to establish himself at the club.

He took a giant leap towards realising his ambition last season, featuring 13 times across all competitions for the Blues.

The 19-year-old played just four times in the Premier League, starting just two games. However, most of his game time came in the Europa Conference League.

He also started Chelsea’s final Club World Cup group stage game against ES Tunis, helping the Blues claim a comprehensive 3-0 win with a standout performance.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has waxed lyrical about Acheampong. He has reiterated that he is ‘very happy’ with the defender and wants to keep him at the club. But that hasn’t stopped interest from pouring in.

Borussia Dortmund were first on the scene. They were considering a move for the versatile defender but were put off by Chelsea’s £35 million asking price.

Chelsea aren’t actively looking to part ways with Acheampong, but it remains to be seen if they’d consider a loan deal with Palace.

Both clubs have a history of doing business together. If a deal is agreed, Acheampong could become the latest in a long line of Chelsea’s academy stars to play for Palace on loan.

He’d follow in the footsteps of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Conor Gallagher, and Trevoh Chalobah.

Acheampong is naturally a right back but can cover anywhere across the backline. His versatility makes him more appealing to Palace boss Oliver Glasner.

On paper, a loan move to Palace is the next logical step in Acheampong’s development. Chelsea may not be able to give him the consistent minutes he needs to prove himself at the highest level.

Palace can offer that, so Chelsea would be silly not to consider a season-long loan deal.