Chelsea fans hoping for last-minute deadline day arrivals will be disappointed. However, the club remain active, with several players anticipated to depart before the transfer window closes.
The only addition this window is likely to be Yisa Alao, a teenage left-back from Sheffield Wednesday, reportedly costing around £1m. The rest of the activity looks set to focus on departures.
Axel Disasi is at West Ham for a medical, though he has not yet made a final decision on the move. Meanwhile, U21 players Harry McGlinchey and Jimi Tauriainen are both expected to leave before the window shuts.
Aaron Anselmino and David Fofana are both heading out on loan to Strasbourg, while Mamadou Sarr is returning to Chelsea. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have made a loan bid for another Blues player.
Josh Acheampong stays put as Crystal Palace loan offer is turned down
Marc Guehi has already made the switch to Man City earlier this month, with just half a year left on his contract. Chelsea did not pursue him, mainly because of the hefty salary he is now pulling in at City.
But that has left Palace short-handed in defence, and they have been linked with Chelsea’s 19-year-old Josh Acheampong. According to Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian, Palace had a loan bid turned down.
Chelsea had made it clear they were not looking to move him on, even though he has started just two of Liam Rosenior’s seven matches so far. With Malo Gusto back fit, chances for game time could become even more limited.
Manchester City failed to sign Josh Acheampong from Chelsea
Bayern Munich have also been mentioned in connection with the England youth international, but it is Manchester City who were reportedly keen to bring him in. Acheampong, however, looks likely to stay put for now.
It remains to be seen if City send an offer before the deadline or if Palace come back with a better proposal. But at this point, he is expected to remain at Stamford Bridge, where Rosenior is a strong supporter of his potential.
With Tosin out injured, Anselmino heading to France, and Disasi moving closer to West Ham, letting Acheampong go would leave them short. Even with Sarr returning from loan, holding onto the youngster seems like the right call.
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