Chelsea star puts pen to paper on new 4-year deal as Real Madrid suffer fresh transfer setback: Reports

Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong has put an end to a contract standoff and handed Real Madrid a blow by signing a new and improved deal until 2029. The teenage right-back has become the latest player to commit his future to the Blues after a brief period of hostility from the club.

Acheampong signed professional terms with the Blues in the 2023-24 season and was contracted to the club until 2026, but the club wanted him to sign for longer. The 18-year-old was a target for several of Europe's top sides, including Real Madrid, in the summer transfer window, leading Chelsea to try and tie him down to a longer deal.

Josh Acheampong spent some time frozen out of the Chelsea set-up at all levels, including in the academy teams, as they looked to get him to sign a contract. Both parties have now reached an agreement, and the versatile teenager has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal until 2029.

Acheampong made his senior debut against Tottenham Hotspur under Mauricio Pochettino in the closing months of the 2023-24 season before impressing Enzo Maresca in pre-season. The Italian coach raved about the England U-20 international, indicating the club's intent to keep him.

Alongside fellow 18-year-old academy star Tyrique George, Acheampong has now signed a contract with the Blues this year. Both teenagers started against Astana in the UEFA Europa Conference League last Thursday and were on the bench for the Brentford game in the Premier League on Sunday. Still with the first team, they are in line to feature from the start against Shamrock Rovers in the Conference League on Thursday.

Chelsea passed on the opportunity to sign Brazilian youngster Pedro Lima in the summer because of Acheampong's development. The Blues will not be selling their prized asset to Real Madrid, Liverpool or any of the other sides to have shown an interest in him.

Serie A giants join Chelsea, Real Madrid in hunt for teenage Palmeiras star - Reports

Italian champions Inter Milan have entered into the race to sign Brazilian youngster Vitor Reis as an addition for the future, as per Goal.com. The Palmeiras defender is regarded as the next gem from his club's production line after Endrick and Estevao Willian.

Reis, an 18-year-old centre-back, burst into the scene at Palmeiras earlier this year. He featured 17 times in the league as they finished second behind Botafogo. The youngster has spent the better part of the last decade at the club but will be prepared to move if an opportunity arises.

Vitor Reis is wanted by a number of other clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid, all of whom have made enquiries. Palmeiras are reluctant to sell the teenage defender due to the impressive performances he has put in for the club.