Real Madrid, Liverpool circle as Chelsea freeze out Acheampong amid contract standoff

Chelsea have sidelined promising right-back Josh Acheampong due to a contract extension impasse.

This has reportedly sparked interest from European giants Real Madrid and Liverpool.

The 18-year-old England U20 international, widely regarded as one of the top young defenders in Europe, is under contract with Chelsea until 2026.

But the club is pressuring him to sign a new deal.

Football Espana reports that Real Madrid, in need of reinforcements following Dani Carvajal’s long-term injury, are eyeing Acheampong as a potential January target.

Los Blancos have also shown interest in Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires next summer.

If Madrid moves for Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool could turn to Acheampong as a replacement option, reports the Spanish outlet.

Despite his standout performances for both Chelsea and England, Acheampong has been frozen out of first-team action until his contract situation is resolved.

Chelsea are keen to retain the young star but face competition from Premier League sides Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, who are monitoring the situation as well.