Chelsea are keen on doing big business with Crystal Palace this summer, although this could have to come at the cost of one of their most promising young talents.
The Blues have been linked with signing Maxence Lacroix as they search for Premier League experience and a strong mentality to their first team squad.
There has also been a long-standing interest in Adam Wharton, with the pair playing a key role in recent triumphs in both the FA Cup final and Conference League.
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Chelsea may have to sell Josh Acheampong to sign Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix
Chelsea and Palace’s relationship is very strong, and Simon Phillips has reported that there will be conversations about players going both ways in any transfers this summer.
He stated on his Substack that Palace have asked for Josh Acheampong from the Blues already if they are to do any business this summer.
He said: “Chelsea are already in talks with Palace now to sign Maxence Lacroix, so it’s clear to me that this point that they will be mentioning Wharton as well.
“Crystal Palace will ask about some Chelsea players, and Josh Acheampong is one they have already named and absolutely one to watch, should they continue to do more deals together this summer.
“There is a very good relationship between the two clubs right now, even though it seems hard to imagine that they will sell both Lacroix and Wharton to us this summer. It’s not impossible.”
Parting ways with Acheampong would be a significant loss, and one that may not go down too well with Xabi Alonso.
Alonso sees Acheampong as crucial player
Very few players have been labelled as ‘untouchable’ at Stamford Bridge, although the club are wary of handing Alonso every chance of succeeding in his new role.
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Colwill and Acheampong are 'untouchable'.
- Josh Acheampong
- Levi Colwill
- Jorrel Hato
- Wesley Fofana
- Trevoh Chalobah
- Mamadou Sarr
- Benoit Badiashile
- Aaron Anselmino
- Tosin Adarabioyo
- Axel Disasi
One of those the incoming manager named as a must-stay is Acheampong, with it clear he has a plan that the likes of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior weren’t prepared to use.
Given the Spaniard looks like he wants to use a three-at-the-back system, the England U21 international would suit a number of positions in that formation.
Given the magnitude of top clubs already linked with Acheampong, Chelsea should be well aware there is a talented player in their ranks who they should do anything in their power to keep hold of.
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