Real Madrid pursue shock January move for Chelsea wonderkid

Cameron Smith

• 17 Oct 2024 08:15 BST
• 3 min read

Real Madrid are reportedly eager to sign Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong during the January transfer window.

Acheampong is one of the most highly-rated players in Chelsea’s famed academy set-up, and Real Madrid have been monitoring his progress for several months.

The Independent report that Los Blancos are weighing up a January bid for the 18-year-old following Dani Carvajal’s potentially season-ending ACL injury.

READ MORE: How Victor Osimhen’s INJURY record is putting off Chelsea

Acheampong is reportedly seen as an ideal candidate to provide right-back cover in the short-term, while he is viewed as a future pillar of the Real Madrid defence.

The Spanish giants are also interested in signing Liverpool superstar Trent Alexander-Arnold, although they are likely to wait until next summer to land the England international as he is set to become a free agent in July.

Chelsea are insistent that Acheampong isn’t for sale, as per The Independent, with the 18-year-old seen as a key piece of their future under Enzo Maresca.

However, Real Madrid are prepared to test Chelsea’s resolve with a mid-season bid for the England youth international, while Liverpool, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested.

READ MORE: Chelsea duo targeted by Barcelona in January transfer window

Josh Acheampong to leave Chelsea?

Acheampong’s current contract at Chelsea is due to expire in 2026, meaning the Blues will need to tie him down to a new deal soon or they run the risk of being forced to sell him next summer.

The 18-year-old made his senior debut for the Blues against Tottenham last season, but new boss Enzo Maresca is yet to trust him in the Premier League, with his only first-team appearance of the campaign coming against Barrow in the Carabao Cup.

However, the Italian believes Acheampong has the potential to become a key player at Chelsea.

In September, he told reporters: “I really like Josh. For me, he can potentially be a top defender in the future.

“With young players, I like to modify them a little bit. Today, they can change really quickly. They can think they are so good, or so bad, but you need to moderate the way they join us.”