Chelsea will not let highly rated academy prospect to play until he signs new deal - Reports

Chelsea will reportedly not let highly rated academy defender Josh Acheampong play for the first team or development squad unless he pens a new deal.

The 18-year-old runs out of contract in the summer of 2026, but the Blues want him to extend his deal. In the summer, Acheampong was behind injured club captain Reece James and Malo Gusto in the pecking order.

However, as per The Athletic, Acheampong didn't make the bench for the Premier League games with Bournemouth and West Ham United last month despite James and Gusto being out injured, as his long-term future remains uncertian.

The publication reports that the Blues have initiated talks with the player's entourage, but no progress has been made regarding an extension.

New boss Enzo Maresca has preferred to use centre-backs Axel Disasi and Wesley Fofana at right-back, while Acheampong hasn't added to his sole first-team appearance this season in the EFL Cup win over Barrow last month.

It's pertinent to note that the 18-year-old made his Blues first-team debut in February under former manager Mauricio Pochettino and was also a part of Maresca's pre-season squad for the US tour.

While he appeared twice for the England U-20 team during the October international break, Acheampong hasn't been on the teamsheet for the Blues' U21 team for a month despite not being injured. As per The Athletic, his continued omission from the matchday squads across levels is attributable to his contract situation.

However, the report says that the Blues are not planning to sell the full-back when the transfer window reopens in January, as they are hopeful of securing his long-term future.

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What's next for Chelsea?

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca

Chelsea have had a decent start to life under Enzo Maresca, winning seven of their opening 11 games across competitions, losing thrice. Since losing 2-0 at home to four-time defending champions Manchester City on the opening day, the Blues have lost just once in their next seven league outings.

That defeat came in their most recent outing, a 2-1 loss at Premier League leaders Liverpool at the weekend, which snapped their seven-game unbeaten run across competitions.

Maresca's side are next in midweek action in the UEFA Europa Conference League, travelling to Panathinaikos on Thursday (October 24) after beating Gent 4-2 at home in their campaign opener.

The Blues return to Premier League action with a home game with Newcastle United three days later.