Manchester City are considering a move for Chelsea’s young defender Josh Acheampong as Pep Guardiola looks to refresh his defensive options before the end of the transfer window.
According to reports from The Guardian, City have shown “interest in the young defender” and may act in the coming days.
Why Manchester City Want Josh Acheampong
Although City boast plenty of experienced defenders, the squad’s age profile and injury issues could push the Premier League champions to recruit younger players.
John Stones, who joined the club nearly a decade ago, is now 31. Both Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji are 30 and have struggled with injuries in recent months. Last season, Guardiola’s side had to cope without key defenders for long spells, creating a major concern for the club’s title challenge.
That situation has left the door open for new additions, and Acheampong is seen as a potential option for the future. The 19-year-old Chelsea talent is highly rated at Stamford Bridge. He’s a promising and versatile defender capable of stepping into senior football.
Manchester City and Chelsea’s Transfer Links
While City and Chelsea remain fierce rivals on the pitch, their relationship in the transfer market has been far more cooperative.
Several Manchester City academy graduates have ended up at Chelsea in recent years, either directly or after spells elsewhere. The most notable was Cole Palmer, who moved straight from the Etihad to Stamford Bridge in 2023.
Because of that history, any potential deal for Josh Acheampong may not be as complicated as it seems. The two clubs have managed negotiations smoothly before, and City would likely expect talks to follow a similar path.
Chelsea’s Position on Josh Acheampong
The big question is whether Chelsea will part with the young defender this summer.
New Blues manager Enzo Maresca may decide to keep Acheampong, especially with defensive options stretched after Levi Colwill suffered an ACL injury that will rule him out for an extended period. Acheampong could serve as a direct replacement in the squad during Colwill’s absence, meaning Chelsea would be reluctant to sell.