There is unlikely to be much movement at Chelsea in terms of signings before the deadline, but a few players could be heading out. One of them might be on his way to Crystal Palace.
Chelsea’s search for a defender has not gone according to plan. Jeremy Jacquet is expected to join Liverpool in the summer, while their bid for Nantes’ Tylel Tati was turned down. There are no new midfielders on the horizon either.
But there are still a few departures expected before the 7pm cut-off. Aaron Anselmino and David Fofana are both set for loan spells at Strasbourg, with Fofana stepping in for Emmanuel Emegha.
Axel Disasi could end up joining West Ham before the deadline, and Jimi Touriainen and Harry McGlinchey are also tipped to move on. Charlie Austin has suggested another player might be heading across town to Selhurst Park.
Charlie Austin backs Josh Acheampong for potential move to Crystal Palace
Following Marc Guehi’s transfer to Man City, six months before his contract with the Eagles was due to expire, Crystal Palace are actively seeking a new defender across the capital. Although they have not yet made a signing, this situation may change today.
During an appearance on Sky Sports (02/02, 8.30AM), former Premier League forward Charlie Austin threw his support behind a potential move for Acheampong from Stamford Bridge.
Austin said: “You don’t want to look back and think ‘what if?’ Maybe there is a deal to be done with Chelsea for Josh Acheampong to go in there. Chelsea and Palace do good business, so that wouldn’t be a surprise.”
Why Josh Acheampong may consider leaving Chelsea
Despite reports of interest from both Crystal Palace and Bayern Munich, Chelsea have reportedly deemed Acheampong unavailable for a transfer this month. However, as the transfer window progresses, the player may seek a move away from the club.
The defender has started just two of Liam Rosenior’s seven games in charge, and Mamadou Sarr is set to be recalled from Strasbourg. Malo Gusto is back fit, and Tosin should return in a few weeks.
With playing opportunities shrinking, Acheampong knows he needs regular minutes to develop properly. While he cannot expect to start every week just yet, game time is still key at this stage of his career.
While Chelsea are understandably hesitant to let one of their academy products go, a loan deal might make sense if it means consistent game time for the England youth international between now and the end of the season.
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