Coventry City are keen on signing Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong, with talkSPORT reporting that the Blues might now be open to a deal for the 20-year-old before the transfer window closes.
That represents a shift from Chelsea’s earlier position. In June, the club reportedly turned down multiple bids for Acheampong, insisting he was central to new head coach Xabi Alonso’s plans at Stamford Bridge.
Yet the west London outfit appear to have changed their tune. A familiar face could now facilitate a deal, as Chelsea legend Frank Lampard looks to strengthen his Coventry squad ahead of their return to the Premier League after 25 years away.
Lampard, now in charge at the Sky Blues, sees Acheampong as a valuable addition. The youngster made 17 league appearances last season during his breakthrough campaign, giving him meaningful Premier League experience despite his age.
Speaking on the latest episode of talkSPORT’s The Window, chief football correspondent Alex Crook confirmed Coventry’s interest. “Keep an eye on Josh Acheampong,” Crook said. “He’s a player that Frank Lampard would like to take to Coventry.” He added: “And as we get towards the end of this window, there is a possibility that Chelsea might be willing to do that deal as well.”
The defender has not lacked suitors. Earlier in the summer, Chelsea reportedly rejected approaches from clubs in England and Europe, with Manchester City, Manchester United and Bayern Munich all said to be admirers of Acheampong.
Should a transfer materialise, it would mark a dramatic reversal from Chelsea’s earlier refusal to sell. Whether Lampard can persuade his former club to part with one of their brightest prospects remains uncertain, but the possibility is clearly growing.
