Chelsea star Josh Acheampong wanted by rival Premier League club in shock transfer

‘UNTOUCHABLE’ Chelsea talent Josh Acheampong has attracted serious interest from Crystal Palace, according to reports. The Blues may have poached Palace ace Maxence Lacroix this summer, but the Eagles are now circling to sign Chelsea‘s defensive wonderkid. The versatile defensive prospect made his Prem debut for Chelsea at just 17 years old Credit: Getty Xabi Alonso has given the England youth international protected status Credit: AFP The uber-talented 20-year-old strutted his stuff 17 times in the Premier League last season, and recently started Xabi Alonso‘s first game in charge. His sky-high ceiling and ability to slot in at centre-half or right-back has led Chelsea to list Acheampong as one of eight ‘untouchables’ this summer, alongside superstars Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo. Sign up for the Chelsea newsletter Thank you! However, according to the BBC, Crystal Palace are understood to be interested in bagging a loan deal for the Blues’ prized asset. A temporary move south of the Thames could allow the academy ace to break free of the subs bench and build prolonged first-team experience. Acheampong’s contract at his boyhood club runs until 2029, but it was reported in June that he was “frustrated” with limited playing opportunities. Crystal Palace will hope to persuade Chelsea that a deal is a mutually beneficial way to unleash Acheampong’s potential. Nevertheless, the Eagles also have a clear vested interest in securing his signature. Selhurst Park has recently been shook by the departure of two defensive powerhouses. Most read in Sport CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS A temporary spell away from Stamford Bridge could boost Acheampong’s career development Credit: Getty Marc Guehi headed to Man City in January before Maxence Lacroix recently agreed a big money move to Stamford Bridge, and the Eagles are desperate to fill the void. Last season’s Conference League winners are looking to lock down Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, and have also been linked with Ausburg’s Chrislain Matsima and Brest’s Raphael Le-Guin. Comment now