Chelsea Resists Josh Acheampong Transfer Amid Borussia Dortmund Interest

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has firmly stated that 19-year-old defender Josh Acheampong is not for sale despite interest from clubs including Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle, and Tottenham. Maresca emphasized that Acheampong is considered a potential top defender for Chelsea and that the best plan is for him to stay and develop at the club, where there is a wealth of young talent. Acheampong, who signed a new five-year contract last year, has featured in the Club World Cup and impressed during his Premier League appearances, though he remains behind established players in his preferred positions. The club has also identified Ajax's Jorrel Hato as a potential left-back reinforcement, highlighting Chelsea's depth and future planning in defense. Acheampong himself described Benfica, Chelsea's next Club World Cup opponent, as a "really big club" and expressed gratitude for the manager's faith, hoping to make a bigger impact under Maresca. Maresca praised both Acheampong and Enzo Fernandez for their performances and attitude, indicating a clear vision for integrating young talent into the squad.