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Feature
- 1 hours ago
Fabrizio Romano confirms true reason Chelsea ignored Enzo Maresca transfer wish
Cameron Smith
- 19 Oct 2025 18:04 BST
- 4 min read
News
Football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Josh Acheampong was a key reason why Chelsea decided against signing a new centre-back this summer.
The Blues were expected to bolster their options in the middle of defence following Levi Colwill’s anterior cruciate ligament injury in August, however the west London giants eventually opted against listening to Enzo Maresca’s advice.
Current ETV
Josh Acheampong
D (R)
Chelsea
Josh Acheampong
D (R)
Chelsea
ETV Range
€13.7M - €16.8M
The Chelsea head coach publicly stated his desire for the club to sign a new central defender before Transfer Deadline Day, but a deal failed to materialise during the final weeks of the window.
Acheampong subsequently played 90 minutes in the opening match of the season versus Crystal Palace and he has been selected in the starting XI in consecutive Premier League games against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
He scored his first Chelsea goal in a 3-0 win over the latter on Saturday afternoon, and Romano has revealed that his presence was a key reason why Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly ultimately decided to ignore Maresca’s wish for a new centre-back.
Fabrizio Romano confirms Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong decision
“Chelsea rejected many approaches for Acheampong in recent years, including this summer,” Romano admitted in his latest YouTube video. “In August and July, Chelsea were approached by several clubs with important intentions for Josh Acheampong.
“For example, I can tell you that while Borussia Dortmund had conversations with Chelsea for Chukwuemeka and Anselmino, they asked about Acheampong. They were prepared to accept any formula - a loan with an option to buy or a permanent transfer - but it was a no.
“English clubs also tried to approach Chelsea for Acheampong, but there was no chance because Chelsea never wanted to let him go and they decided to trust the player.
“Chelsea are convinced that Acheampong will be a big part of their project.”
Acheampong has racked up 19 first-team appearances for Chelsea and he appears to have cemented his place as a regular starter thanks to his form in October.
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