Liverpool and Arsenal reportedly held talks to sign Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong, as per TEAMtalk.
Following Ibrahima Konate’s departure as a free agent, the Reds decided to reinforce the backline by signing Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo this summer, with the Uruguayan joining on loan from Barcelona.
So, Andoni Iraola currently has the duo plus Giovanni Leoni, Joe Gomez and Virgil Van Dijk as centre-back options. However, Leoni has been sidelined due to a serious knee issue over the last 13 months, while Gomez has had a few fitness problems in recent years.
On the other hand, Van Dijk has entered the final few months of his current contract and has reached the twilight of his career. So, Liverpool could do with signing a new defender next year.
Now, TEAMtalk claim that Liverpool were interested in Acheampong this summer and made contact to learn about the details of finalising the operation.
Apart from the Merseyside club, Arsenal, Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth enquired about his availability. Moreover, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli have held talks over a potential swoop in recent times.
Crystal Palace even attempted to buy Acheampong as a potential replacement for Maxence Lacroix, who joined Chelsea this summer.
Battle
However, the report state that Chelsea have no intention of parting ways with the 20-year-old, with the player’s existing deal set to run until 2029. They are even planning to extend his deal until 2032.
Acheampong is a 6ft 3in tall right-footed centre-back but is also comfortable in the right-back position. He is quick, strong, good in the air, comfortable playing out from the back, and is efficient in defensive contributions.
Following William Saliba’s recent injury, Arsenal decided to reinforce the backline by purchasing Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa this summer. So, Mikel Arteta currently has the Englishman plus Cristhian Mosquera, Jurrien Timber and Ben White as right-sided defenders.
With Saliba likely to return at one point this season, Arsenal don’t need a new defender unless anyone leaves. Nevertheless, Acheampong is a highly talented player and possesses the potential to reach the top; therefore, he would have been a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal or Liverpool had either club purchased him.
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