Liverpool and Arsenal held talks over Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong

Liverpool and Arsenal reportedly held talks to sign Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong, according to TEAMtalk. The 20-year-old centre-back is contracted to Chelsea until 2029, and the Blues have no intention of letting him leave — they are planning to extend his deal until 2032.

  • Player: Josh Acheampong, 20-year-old Chelsea defender, 6ft 3in right-footed centre-back comfortable at right-back.
  • Interested clubs: Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle United, AFC Bournemouth, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli and Crystal Palace.
  • Chelsea's stance: No intention of selling — current contract until 2029, extension planned until 2032.
  • Liverpool context: Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo signed this summer; Ibrahima Konate departed as a free agent.
  • Arsenal context: Ezri Konsa bought from Aston Villa after William Saliba's injury.
  • Source: TEAMtalk.

Deal details

According to the report, Liverpool were interested in Acheampong this summer and made contact to learn about the details of finalising the operation. Arsenal, Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth also enquired about his availability. Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli have held talks over a potential swoop in recent times, while Crystal Palace even attempted to buy him as a potential replacement for Maxence Lacroix, who joined Chelsea this summer. Chelsea have no intention of parting ways with the 20-year-old, whose existing deal runs until 2029, and they are planning to extend it until 2032. No fee is mentioned in the report.

Why Liverpool and Arsenal wanted Acheampong

Liverpool's interest is rooted in a defensive rebuild. Following Ibrahima Konate's departure as a free agent, the Reds signed Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo this summer, with the Uruguayan joining on loan from Barcelona. Andoni Iraola currently has that duo plus Giovanni Leoni, Joe Gomez and Virgil Van Dijk as centre-back options. However, Leoni has been sidelined with a serious knee issue for the last 13 months, while Gomez has had fitness problems in recent years. Van Dijk has entered the final few months of his contract and has reached the twilight of his career, so Liverpool could do with signing a new defender next year.

Arsenal's need is less urgent. After William Saliba's recent injury, they reinforced the backline by purchasing Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa this summer. Mikel Arteta currently has Konsa plus Cristhian Mosquera, Jurrien Timber and Ben White as right-sided defenders. With Saliba likely to return at one point this season, Arsenal do not need a new defender unless anyone leaves.

Nevertheless, Acheampong is a highly talented player who possesses the potential to reach the top. He is quick, strong, good in the air, comfortable playing out from the back, and efficient in defensive contributions. He would have been a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal or Liverpool had either club purchased him.

Talking points

  • Should Chelsea sell Acheampong for a huge fee, or is keeping a 20-year-old with 2032 extension plans the smarter long-term play?
  • Liverpool's centre-back depth looks crowded on paper, but Leoni's injury and Gomez's fitness record mean Iraola may still need cover next year.
  • Arsenal already have four right-sided defenders — would Acheampong even get minutes ahead of Konsa, Mosquera, Timber or White?
  • Bayern, Dortmund and Napoli holding talks shows Acheampong's reputation extends beyond England — can Chelsea keep him happy as a squad player?

What happens next

Chelsea are expected to open talks over a new contract that would extend Acheampong's stay until 2032, ending speculation for now. Liverpool and Arsenal will continue to monitor his situation, with the Reds potentially revisiting their interest next year if Van Dijk's contract expires and Leoni's recovery stalls. Chelsea's firm stance means any move would require a major shift in their plans.

Frequently asked questions

Is Josh Acheampong leaving Chelsea?

No. Chelsea have no intention of parting ways with him, and they are planning to extend his contract until 2032. His existing deal runs until 2029.

Did Liverpool and Arsenal make bids for Josh Acheampong?

According to TEAMtalk, both clubs held talks and enquired about his availability, but no fee or bid is mentioned. Crystal Palace attempted to buy him.

How old is Josh Acheampong and what position does he play?

He is 20 years old and plays as a right-footed centre-back, though he is also comfortable at right-back. He stands 6ft 3in tall.

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