Crystal Palace are weighing up a move for Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong as they look to reshape their back line following the departure of Marc Guehi.
The England international completed a transfer to Manchester City earlier this week, leaving Palace short of a senior centre-half heading into the final stretch of the January transfer window.
According to reports from Sky Sports, Acheampong – who is of Ghanaian descent – has emerged as one of the leading names under internal consideration at Selhurst Park.
The 18-year-old Chelsea defender is viewed as a high-upside option as Palace assess both short-term cover and longer-term defensive stability. While no formal negotiations have taken place between the two clubs, Acheampong’s profile has reportedly impressed Palace’s recruitment team.
Chelsea and Palace are understood to maintain a strong working relationship, which could ease any potential discussions should interest develop into a concrete move.
In recent seasons, several players have made the journey across London, reinforcing a transfer pathway that both clubs are comfortable using when opportunities align.
Last season alone, Trevoh Chalobah and Ben Chilwell joined Palace on loan from Chelsea, adding experience and depth to the Eagles’ squad.
Prior to that, Marc Guehi himself established his reputation at Selhurst Park after arriving from Stamford Bridge, while Conor Gallagher also enjoyed a productive spell with Palace earlier in his career. Those moves have strengthened trust between the clubs and created a precedent for similar deals.
Acheampong, a product of Chelsea’s academy, is regarded as one of the more promising defenders in the club’s youth ranks. Comfortable in possession and capable of operating across the back line, he fits Palace’s preference for athletic, ball-playing defenders.
