Crystal Palace have set their sights on Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong, a player the Blues consider 'untouchable', according to BBC Sport. The Eagles are exploring a loan move for the 20-year-old as they look to bolster their defensive options without breaching UEFA's Squad Cost Ratio rules.
This interest comes on the same day Palace confirmed the free transfer of former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu. The Japan international, who had his contract with Arsenal terminated last year due to persistent injury issues, impressed during a trial period and featured in several pre-season friendlies. He becomes new manager Pierre Sage's second signing, following the arrival of versatile defender Óscar Mingueza.
Palace's Defensive Reinforcements
Tomiyasu and Mingueza provide much-needed squad depth as Palace prepare for their Europa League debut. However, the club remains in the market for another centre-back after selling Maxence Lacroix to Chelsea for £52 million. A deal for Augsburg's Chrislain Matsima collapsed last week, while interest in Brest teenager Raphael le Guen has been noted, though he has limited senior experience.
The Eagles had been linked with Chelsea outcast Axel Disasi, but his £25 million price tag is seen as problematic given the club's financial constraints under UEFA's Squad Cost Ratio rules. As a result, attention has turned to Acheampong, who is versatile enough to play both centre-back and right-back.
Acheampong's Status at Chelsea
Acheampong is reportedly one of only seven players Chelsea deem 'untouchable' and not for sale at any price, a list that includes Cole Palmer, Reece James, and Moises Caicedo. Despite this, the 20-year-old struggled for regular minutes at Stamford Bridge last season, making 30 appearances across all competitions but starting only 14 of them.
His playing time is unlikely to increase this campaign due to the arrivals of Lacroix and Marco Palestra, as well as the return of Levi Colwill from a lengthy injury. Additionally, Chelsea are not competing in any European competition this season, further limiting opportunities.
Loan Move Could Benefit All Parties
Palace are interested in a loan deal for Acheampong to minimize spending, but it remains unclear if Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso would allow the youngster to leave, even temporarily, as the club looks to offload 11 other players before the transfer window closes.
Several former Chelsea players have thrived on loan at Selhurst Park, including Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, suggesting a short-term switch could be mutually beneficial. In other news, Palace have agreed a £10 million deal to sign highly-rated American winger Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake.
