Report: Real Madrid Contemplating A Move for Chelsea Youngster

La Liga and UEFA Champions League holders Real Madrid are reportedly considering making a move for Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong in the upcoming January transfer window. The All-Whites are currently without a natural right-back after Dani Carvajal’s season-ending injury and have seemingly expedited their plans to sign the 18-year-old.

Real Madrid is in Urgent Need of a Right-Back

The most valuable team in the world, Real Madrid — their squad worth is $1.48 billion according to Transfermarkt — find themselves in a tough spot with the majority of the 2024-25 season left to play. Their first-choice right-back Carvajal suffered a season-ending Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) rupture and associated injuries in the 2-0 win over Villarreal just before the October international break. On October 11, Los Blancos confirmed Carvajal had undergone surgery and would begin recovery in the coming days.

With Carvajal out, Real Madrid only has Lucas Vazquez as right-back, who himself used to operate as a right-winger a few years back. In Vazquez’s absence, center-back Eder Militao or central midfielder Fede Valverde could fill in on the right. Considering Madrid’s appetite for success, they are understandably uncomfortable carrying on with so few options in an important position.

Los Blancos Plotting Move for Chelsea Youngster Josh Acheampong

According to The Independent, Real Madrid’s search for a right-back has led them to Chelsea teenager Acheampong. The club reportedly believes he could not only be a good short-term option but also become an integral member of the first team down the line. Real Madrid have long been monitoring Acheampong, but Carvajal’s unfortunate injury has compelled them to fastrack their plan of going after the defender in January itself.

Real Madrid is not the only team interested in the defender. As per the aforementioned report, Liverpool, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur also hold an interest in the player. Chelsea, meanwhile, rates Acheampong highly and does not want to lose him. The right-back is contractually tied to Chelsea until June 2026.

However, since he has only played one game for the senior team (debut under Mauricio Pochettino) and is behind Reece James and Malo Gusto in the pecking order, he could push for the move if Real Madrid comes calling.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool man Trent Alexander-Arnold is Real Madrid’s top right-back target. But that deal can only materialize in the summer, that, too, if the Englishman decides to run down his contract with the Merseysiders. So far, Alexander-Arnold has not ruled out signing a contract extension with his boyhood club.