Chelsea in positive Acheampong talks

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 27 Oct 2024 04:58 CDT
4 min read

Enzo Maresca, Josh Acheampong, Chelsea — © IMAGO

Chelsea have "held positive talks" over a contract extension with Josh Acheampong, according to reports.

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The Stamford Bridge club have been trying to tie up the youngster to fresh terms but there were suggestions that he had walked away from their initial offer, leading them to freeze him out of the side.

GiveMeSport reports that, though no agreement has been reached, "parties currently remain calm about the situation" and "talks are ongoing and positive currently, with Chelsea rating the defender very highly and considering him to be a 'top prospect with big potential'.

Indeed, the 18-year-old was omitted from the first-team and academy squads as Chelsea looked to ensure that a deal was reached. Acheampong is in the final 18 months of his contract and were suggestions of a move away from the Premier League outfit.

The teenager had discussions with Blues boss Enzo Maresca three weeks ago over his future but then was left out of the travelling squad to Athens for the Europa League conference match.

The outlet has also reported that even the player's representatives are not concerned about the situation, but ultimately wish for their client to take their time in making a decision.

Maresca on 'bad' Acheampong situation

Last week Maresca admitted that it is a "shame" that Acheampong was removed from the side amid a contract standoff.

The Blues have come under criticism for their treatment of their youth players since the start of the Todd Boehly era.

If the way Chelsea treated Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah in a poor manner as they made their moves to Atletico Madrid and Crystal Palace, respectively.

With Acheampong, they told the youngster that he will never again play for the club at any level unless he signs a new contract.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea's Conference League clash with Panathinaikos, Maresca said: "I feel a bit [of] shame for Josh because this kind of game could be an opportunity for him. I had a chat with him about three weeks ago about his situation and the chat we had was very good but since that moment I haven't spoken to him again," the Italian said.

"It's a shame because I really think Josh can potentially be a top player. He is still 18, so very young, many things can change. For the future, he can be very important for Chelsea. It's so important for the club that is our intention is not to use him but the first thing we need to do is to find a solution for his contract, for his future.

"It's a bad situation for him at the moment. I don't know if the people are helping him or not. I really like Josh and I would like to have him here with us but it is not possible," Maresca admitted.