- 13 hours ago
Chelsea brace for ANOTHER academy exit with Real Madrid PSG lurking
Jacque Talbot
- Updated: 8 Aug 2024 12:32 BST
- 5 min read
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are closely monitoring Chelsea's highly-rated young talent, Josh Acheampong, according to reports
With both clubs looking to address their the right-back position, it's thought that the Blues may see another academy product depart.
The 18-year-old is widely regarded as a rising star at Stamford Bridge but Chelsea might be open to selling Acheampong to bring in pure profit.
READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024 - All the Done Deals
Chelsea's current squad boasts 44 professionals, and the Profit and Sustainability Rules make academy graduates like Acheampong valuable. But it's club's strategy of selling academy graduates has caused unease within the club’s youth ranks.
This situation hasn’t gone unnoticed by Europe’s top clubs, with Real Madrid and PSG emerging as frontrunners in the pursuit of Acheampong, reports The Independent.
Acheampong can play at centre-back and at right-back and he is valued in the region of €15 million by Real Madrid and PSG.
Both sides in the hunt for reliable backups who can play 20 or more games a season, meaning that Acheampong would likely see more playing time with either club compared to staying at Chelsea, where there is a congested squad and a route to the first-team is tougher.
The departure of other homegrown talents like Gallagher, Mason Mount, and potentially Trevoh Chalobah has already stirred concerns within Chelsea’s academy, leading many young players to contemplate their futures, states the report.
Conor Gallagher to Atletico Madrid confirmed
Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher will officially join Atletico Madrid for a fee of €42 million, with the move confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.
The transfer expert posted on X (formerly known as Twitter): “Conor Gallagher to Atlético Madrid, here we go!
“After late night exclusive news on his green light to Atléti, there’s ok for his move from clubs.
“Five year contract for Gallagher, €42m as fee to Chelsea for the English midfielder.
“Medical booked WEDNESDAY.”
