Real Madrid 'considering' shock move for Chelsea teenager

Real Madrid are weighing up a shock January move for Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong as they search for a solution to their current problem position of right-back.

Dani Carvajal has been Madrid's stalwart defender on the right flank for the last decade. However, the Spain international suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury before the October international break and isn't expected to play again this season.

Carlo Ancelotti does have 33-year-old Lucas Vazquez available in the short-term, but Madrid reportedly view Acheampong as a solution both in the near future and for the long haul.

The Independent claim the reigning La Liga and Champions League holders have had a long-standing interest in Acheampong and are assessing their current needs in the wake of Carvajal's devastating injury.

The 18-year-old was tipped to be one of the Blues' breakout stars of the 2024/25 campaign, having made his Premier League debut at the end of last season in a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur. However, his only senior appearance so far this term came as a substitute in the thrashing of Barrow in the Carabao Cup in September.

Madrid aren't the only side to have tracked Acheampong in recent months, however. There has also been interest from Liverpool, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund.

Chelsea still view the teenager as a vital player in the coming years, but Madrid are considering whether to test their resolve in January transfer window.

The Spanish giants hold a renowned interest in Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, who they could pick up in the summer on a free transfer once his contract expires, but they are thought to be avoiding a winter move for the England international to avoid upsetting Carvajal, who had his deal at the Bernabeu extended by another year after his injury.

READ THE LATEST TRANSFER NEWS & GOSSIP FROM AROUND THE WORLD