Chelsea continue to sell on youngsters that have developed in their academy, but the incredible production line of talent doesn’t seem to be running out.
The Chelsea academy really has been a great source of players for the first-team squad in recent years. There’s also been some big sales of academy graduates, too.
Unfortunately, Conor Gallagher, who came through the club’s youth system, is about to leave to join La Liga side Atletico Madrid. There’s widespread reports in the media that the Blues midfielder is on the brink of joining Atletico. Andy Townsend has expressed disappointment about Gallagher’s imminent sale, as quoted by talkSPORT.
Interestingly, Spanish giants Real Madrid are now being linked with a different Chelsea player.
Real Madrid eye Chelsea talent Josh Acheampong
Josh Acheampong, who’s an upcoming talent from Chelsea’s academy, is the latest to be linked with a potential move.
The 18-year-old right-back has only made one first-team appearance in his career, plus he’s been away with the Blues on their pre-season tour of the United States this summer. He’s still managed to do enough to attract interest from some giant European clubs, though.
According to The Independent, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are both interested in signing Chelsea youngster Acheampong.
It is explained that both Madrid and PSG hope to sort the long-term future of their right-back spot, so the Chelsea teenager has cropped up on their radar.
The report says that Acheampong is tipped for big things at Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea would be willing to sell him due to their giant squad and the benefits of selling a homegrown individual for pure profit.
Apparently, Madrid and PSG are both looking at a fee worth around €15m (£13m) for Chelsea’s Acheampong.
What Enzo Maresca has said about Josh Acheampong
Enzo Maresca may only have just arrived as the Chelsea head coach this summer, but Acheampong is someone he’s been able to look closely at on the training pitch. The fact he included him on the pre-season tour is a very positive sign.
Maresca described Acheampong as “fantastic” last month, as quoted by journalist Nizaar Kinsella on X.
While the new Chelsea boss may rate the youngster, does he realistically have a route into the side at Stamford Bridge?
It’s hard to picture him getting any senior minutes at right-back when Reece James and Malo Gusto are battling it out to start. He does have the versatility to slot in as a central defender, though.
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