Bayern Munich are considering a move for Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong in the final week of the January transfer window, according to reports.
Acheampong is highly regarded by Chelsea and has made 17 appearances in all competitions so far this season.
But several clubs are monitoring the progress of the 19-year-old, who has not been a regular starter under either Enzo Maresca or new head coach, Liam Rosenior.
The Guardian reports that German giants Bayern are interested in a move for Acheampong and have not ruled out the possibility of lodging a bid before the end of the January window.
Crystal Palace are also said to be interested in the young, versatile defender after they sold captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City.
Acheampong is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2029 having signed a five-year deal in December 2024 after speculation over his long-term future at the club.
But that speculation looks set to intensify again, particularly if Acheampong does not get regular minutes under Rosenior.
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Trevor Chalobah and Wesley Fofana appear to be the first-choice pairing, but Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badisahille have also been preferred to the 19-year-old in recent games against Brentford and Pafos.
And Chelsea’s pursuit of young defender Jeremy Jacquet could see Acheampong slip further down the pecking order.
The Blues have reportedly agreed personal terms with Jacquet but are still yet to come to an agreement with Rennes over a fee, with the French club said to be demanding a club-record £56million.
Asked about the potential departure of Jacquet, Rennes boss Habib Beye said on Friday: ‘There are still a few days left in the transfer window; anything can happen. We need things to be as calm as possible.’
Elsewhere, Chelsea are also looking to bolster their options in midfield, and have reportedly held talks with Juventus over a straight loan deal for Douglas Luiz.
Luiz is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, but has started just two league games since the arrival of Sean Dyche.
Asked about speculation over Luiz’s future at Forest, Dyche said: ‘He is a very good player. I said when we played him in Europe (before Christmas) we probably rushed him back, but because of his experience he has used that wisely to be back.
‘It doesn’t surprise me there is interest from other clubs in good players. That’s the nature of the business.
‘It’s a doubled-edged sword. You sort of want people interested in your players, that means they are doing a good job and are good players, but you don’t because you don’t want them coming knocking on the door.
‘That’s part of modern football.’
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