Chelsea could lose another academy star this summer as European giants plot a stunning raid on the free-spending west Londoners.
According to the Independent, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are weighing up a move for Cobham Academy star Josh Acheampong.
The 18-year-old is on the verge of breaking into first-team football and has been tipped for big things as the latest promising talent at Stamford Bridge.
However, he could find it difficult to clinch a spot in Enzo Maresca’s squad with Chelsea already boasting an outrageous 44 players in their first team squad.
The Blues will undoubtedly sanction a fire exit before the transfer window closes, but it remains to be seen if they’ll cash in on Acheampong or send him out on loan to continue his development.
Chelsea’s strategy of capitalising on the sale of academy graduates to recoup pure profit has sent shockwaves through the club’s youth teams, especially with the imminent departure of Conor Gallagher.
Major European clubs have identified this as an opportunity to swoop in for promising young talents on the Blues payroll, and Madrid and PSG are leading the chase for Acheampong.
The 18-year-old is highly regarded as a future star at Chelsea. He is predominantly a right-back but can also slot in as a centre-back when required, although he’s yet to gain experience at the top level.
Madrid and PSG are eyeing a deal worth around £12.8 million for the teenager, and if Chelsea don’t offer him a clear pathway to the first team, he could be tempted to jump ship before the transfer window closes.
He is more likely to get ample playing time at either club than he would at Chelsea, given the fierce competition he faces against Reece James and Malo Gusto in the right-back position.
Meanwhile, Gallagher is on the cusp of finalising a £38m move to Atletico Madrid after turning down multiple contract proposals from Chelsea.
