Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has acknowledged growing interest in 19-year-old defender Josh Acheampong, confirming that Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund are among the clubs monitoring the rising star. Acheampong, who played a key role in Chelsea’s Conference League triumph last season, started in the Club World Cup win over ES Tunis, showcasing his versatility once again.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s match against Benfica in the same competition, Maresca made it clear that while interest in the teenager is real, the club is determined to keep him.
“The clubs that you mentioned like Josh,” Maresca said. “But we also like Josh. Any club likes good players, and my plan with Josh is quite clear. I think he can potentially be a top defender for this club—it’s on him now to find the right timing to prove that.”
Josh Acheampong (Photo Credit: Getty)
Maresca emphasized that Acheampong’s development is best served by staying at Chelsea, especially given the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
Meanwhile, Maresca was more cautious when asked about Trevoh Chalobah’s future. The 25-year-old defender returned from a loan spell at Crystal Palace midway through last season amid an injury crisis. His contributions were instrumental in helping Chelsea secure a top-four Premier League finish and Champions League qualification.
Trevoh Chalobah (Photo Credit: Getty)
“At this moment, I don’t want to lose any of the players who are with us,” Maresca said. “But we’ve always said anything can happen in the transfer window—whether buying or selling players.”
“Trevoh helped us reach top four. He’s played important games for us, and we’re happy with him. But again, anything can happen—not just for Trev, but for all 25 players in the squad.”
Both Acheampong and Chalobah’s situations remain fluid as Chelsea continue navigating a busy transfer window. With interest mounting from across Europe, Maresca’s squad decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial to Chelsea’s evolving project.
