What Chelsea are so convinced about amid contract stand-off with Josh Acheampong

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Chelsea are in danger of losing one of their most promising youngsters Josh Acheampong amid a contract stand-off.

Josh Acheampong‘s current deal expires in 2026 and the defender is yet to sign a new one despite talks with Chelsea.

As a result, it has been reported that Chelsea have banned Acheampong from playing for either the first team or development squad until he puts pen to paper on a fresh contract.

The right-back has made one appearance for Enzo Maresca‘s side this season, which came in their 5-0 win against Barrow in the Carabao Cup.

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Chelsea’s message to Josh Acheampong and the club’s other young players

It does not look like Chelsea will accept any accusations about the club not giving its youngsters a chance.

According to The Telegraph, Chelsea believe that they have shown Acheampong and the club’s other academy players that there is a route into the first team and a willingness to give homegrown talent an opportunity.

However, it is clear that Acheampong and his people disagree, with the same outlet claiming that the 18-year-old has backed off from signing a contract that Chelsea thought he was ready to ink.

Last week, it was reported that Real Madrid are one club who are interested in Acheampong.

Chelsea could lose Josh Acheampong

It would not be a surprise to see Acheampong leave Chelsea at the end of the season. There may very well be a path into the first team for some youth players at Cobham, but Acheampong finds himself in a tricky spot.

Reece James is Chelsea captain and one of the best right-backs in the Premier League. When the 24-year-old is fit, he is going to play.

His deputy, Malo Gusto, has also proven to be a very good footballer since arriving at Chelsea from Lyon. Last season, the Frenchman provided nine assists in 37 games, showing his threat going forward.

Acheampong is going to struggle to overtake either player, so a departure could make a lot of sense for him.

Of course, James has shown that he cannot stay fit, so there could be opportunities for Acheampong in the future. But both the England international and Gusto have picked up injuries this season and Enzo Maresca has still overlooked Acheampong, so you would have to question whether there actually is a pathway into the first team for the young defender.