Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly stepped up their interest in signing Chelsea's Josh Acheampong, whose contract stand-off with the Blues is showing no signs of ending anytime soon.
The 18-year-old has been a member of Chelsea's academy from under-8 level onwards and has now played twice for the first team, making his debut in a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in last season's Premier League.
Acheampong was also involved in the 5-0 EFL Cup crushing of Barrow earlier this season, but he has not been seen at first-team or under-21 level since amid a bitter contract dispute with the powers-that-be.
The 2006-born defender saw his deal extended until 2026 back in January, but as he is seemingly refusing to sign on the dotted line again, he is not being considered for selection at this moment in time.
Head coach Maresca has admitted his disappointment at the "bad situation" surrounding Acheampong, who is experiencing a similar ordeal to Conor Gallagher, Romelu Lukaku and other players who were not viewed as part of Chelsea's future plans over the summer.
PSG 'send scouts' to track Acheampong
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The teenager's situation has naturally put a plethora of clubs on red alert, and according to The Independent, PSG are the latest team to start running the rule over the Chelsea contract rebel.
Even though Acheampong is not playing first team or under-21 matches for Chelsea, he is still being called up to England's Under-19s squad, playing three times for his national team during the November international break.
PSG are supposedly among the teams to have sent scouts to track Acheampong's progress in those fixtures, and the French champions are apparently now prepared to test Chelsea's resolve in the New Year.
Luis Enrique's side already possess one of Europe's most celebrated right-backs in Achraf Hakimi, but they supposedly believe that Acheampong would be a perfect backup for the Moroccan.
The report adds that Chelsea have still slapped a not-for-sale sign on the teenager, as they believe that he could still play a massive part in the club's future successes, but they are running the risk of losing him for nothing in 2026.
What other clubs are interested in Acheampong?
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If no resolution can be found to Chelsea and Acheampong's contract quarrel, the defender will apparently have a surfeit of clubs lining up to present an offer, including 15-time Champions League winners Real Madrid.
Los Blancos have lost Dani Carvajal for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury, while Eder Militao - who is also capable of deputising at right-back - will not play again in 2024-25 owing to his own serious knee problem.
Real Madrid's first-choice target in that position is said to be Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, but they have not ruled out a move for Acheampong in January if Carlo Ancelotti decides that an immediate stop-gap is required.
Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United are also rumoured to be in a fierce five-team battle for Acheampong, who can play at right-back and at the heart of defence.
The Blues have recently lost captain Reece James to yet another hamstring problem, while Malo Gusto also sat out Saturday's 2-1 Premier League win over Leicester City, where Wesley Fofana had to fill in at right-back.
Ben Knapton
