Chelsea have reportedly warned young defender Josh Acheampong that he will not play another minute for either the senior team or the academy unless he signs a new contract.
The highly-rated 18-year-old signed a two-year extension this summer and made his first appearance under new manager Enzo Maresca during the Carabao Cup win over Barrow but, to the confusion of many fans, did not has not been seen since at any level. .
Reports of interest from Real Madrid started appearing earlier this month, while Liverpool, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have all been named as suitors for Acheampong, who is a natural right-back but equally comfortable in a central role.
Clearly feeling the pressure to secure Acheampong’s long-term future, The Athletic claims that the teenager’s absence is due to an ultimatum issued to him regarding his contract.
It is claimed that Chelsea Officials have banned managers from selecting Acheampong at any level until he signs a new deal, and the Blues still believe they are optimistic a deal can be reached.
The Telegraph going so far as to claim that Chelsea were surprised by Acheampong’s decision to reject his offer of a new contract, despite club bosses believing an extension was already on the cards.
Just 24 hours before news of Acheampong’s ultimatum broke, the teenager appeared in a emotional interview on the Chelsea websitein which he highlighted his connection with the club and expressed his joy at being able to mix senior minutes with an academy role.
