Manchester United have identified Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong as a transfer target ahead of the upcoming summer window, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
The 20-year-old right-back has attracted interest from United as the club looks to strengthen its options across the defensive line this summer.
Acheampong came through the Chelsea youth academy before breaking into the first team, establishing himself as a versatile defender capable of operating at right-back and in a back three.
Despite his quality, the England Under-21 international has struggled to earn consistent playing time at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea’s deep defensive squad limiting his opportunities.
Acheampong is valued at £22 million on Transfermarkt, a figure that represents reasonable value given his dual capability as a right-back and central defender.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick currently has Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Ayden Heaven, and Harry Maguire as his central defensive options, with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui occupying the right-back role.
INEOS, the club’s co-owners, remain open to market opportunities despite there being no immediate crisis in those positions, particularly with Champions League football on the horizon next season.
Chelsea have made their position on Acheampong abundantly clear, but the player’s own feelings about his situation add an interesting dimension to the story.
Jacobs said on The United Stand: “A more right-sided option, Josh Acheampong, who Chelsea have always said, he is just not for sale. Period. And I am led to believe that’s a genuine stance. But Acheampong, who is also on the radar of Manchester City, is going to have to understand heading into the new season under a new manager, how often is he going to play? Because Chelsea are looking to sign another new starting centre-back. Maybe, if Alonso reverts to his favoured back-three, Acheampong gets more opportunities, maybe he doesn’t. So, Chelsea’s perspective is he’s pretty much untouchable, but information is that the player would be interested in exploring options if he feels he is not going to be getting regular game time next season.”
Manchester United are not the only club monitoring the situation, with Liverpool also linked and Spanish media reporting interest from Real Madrid under incoming manager Jose Mourinho.
Xabi Alonso may continue rotating between Malo Gusto and Reece James at right-back next season, which could further restrict Acheampong’s path to regular football at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s anticipated signings in central defence could further crowd the backline, making a departure increasingly appealing from Acheampong’s perspective if game time does not improve.
United will need to convince Chelsea to soften their hardline stance, making this one of the more complicated pursuits the club is likely to undertake during this transfer window.