Chelsea have reportedly been left embroiled in an unforeseen contract standoff with Josh Acheampong.
Co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have been making a conscious effort to have every senior player and highly-regarded prospect on long-term deals.
Aside from backup goalkeepers, the shortest first-team contract is Ben Chilwell's that runs until 2027, but it is a different story with regards to the aforementioned Acheampong.
The 18-year-old is only tied to Stamford Bridge until the end of 2025-26, making the teenager an obvious target for Premier League and European rivals.
In an attempt to show the defender that he has a pathway into Enzo Maresca's squad on a permanent basis, Acheampong has been provided with opportunities.
He made his debut against Tottenham Hotspur in May, was included on the pre-season tour of the United States and came off the substitutes' bench in the recent EFL Cup tie versus Barrow.
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Acheampong open to departure
Nevertheless, according to The Athletic, there is now considerable doubt as to whether Acheampong will ever represent the Chelsea first team again.
Despite the Blues hierarchy being of the opinion that an extended contract was close to being penned, Acheampong or his representatives are yet to give the green light.
As a result, Chelsea's board are preventing the academy graduate from being picked by Maresca or even playing for the Under-21s.
The report stresses that the West Londoners are eager to agree fresh terms with Acheampong in order for him to become a part of their plans going forward.
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What now?
With Reece James returning to challenge Malo Gusto at right-back after a hamstring injury, Maresca now has his primary two options in that position at his disposal.
That means that Chelsea are not in line to be hit on the pitch in the short term, but Acheampong has shown enough promise to suggest that he can challenge for their role going forward.
On the flip side, Acheampong and his representatives know that they will not be short of offers in January if the situation is not resolved.
Real Madrid and Newcastle United are among the teams who may be prepared to test Chelsea's resolve, aware that Boehly and Clearlake are prepared to cash in on homegrown talent to significantly boost the club's position with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations.
Darren Plant
