Real Madrid dealt transfer blow as Chelsea youngster signs new long-term contract

Chelsea have managed to pin down the highly rated young defender Josh Acheampong to a new long-term contract.

Acheampong only made his first senior start for the club in last week's Conference League clash with Astana in Kazakhstan's capital, but has long since been considered a promising talent.

The 18-year-old has already broken into the under-21 side and extended his deal to June 2026 at the start of the year. Negotiations over a further extension stalled this season, leading to a frosty standoff between the player and club. Acheampong was banned from all club activities at any level until he committed his future to Chelsea.

This fractious vacuum opened a window for Real Madrid to register an interest in the prodigious right-back.

Tensions have cooled in recent months and, afterThe Athletic first revealed an agreement had been reached, Chelsea formally confirmed an extension had been signed.

There is no talk of a salary, but the initial report describes the agreement as a "statement of intent" for the recruitment department. Alongside Madrid, several Premier League clubs were also interested in the 18-year-old.

Chelsea captain Reece James is a significant barrier to Acheampong's route into the first team. Even during the skipper's numerous injury layoffs, Malo Gusto offers a senior alternative to the academy graduate.

While Acheampong's Premier League involvement may remain limited in the near future, he will now be free to be called upon in the various cup competitions which Chelsea are involved in. The Blues still have one remaining Conference League first-round tie against Shamrock Rovers and have been drawn against fourth-tier Morecambe in the third round of the FA Cup.

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