Borussia Dortmund were interested in signing Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong in the summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Acheampong was in the headlines over the weekend after scoring in Chelsea‘s 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest.
It was the defender’s first senior goal for the club, and he has now thanked Reece James following his header.
Acheampong has hailed James as an “inspiration” after going from Chelsea’s academy to the first team, something that the 19-year-old has managed to do himself.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty ImagesBorussia Dortmund were ready to do any kind of deal to sign Josh Acheampong
Chelsea fans gave Acheampong an ovation after his performance against Forest, but if Dortmund had their way, he would not have even been at the City Ground.
The German club wanted to sign Acheampong in the last transfer window and were prepared to sign him on loan or permanently, Romano has revealed.
Discussing the Chelsea academy product on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “I can tell you that Borussia Dortmund, while they had conversations with Chelsea for [Carney] Chukwuemeka, for [Aaron] Anselmino, they asked about Acheampong.
“They were prepared to accept any formula: a loan, a loan with option to buy, a permanent transfer, anything. Borussia Dortmund wanted Acheampong. From Chelsea, it was a no.”
Given all of the injuries that Chelsea have had in central defence this season, it is a good job that Acheampong remained at Stamford Bridge.
While Acheampong is a right-back, the England Under-21 international is more than comfortable playing at centre-back. That has become obvious from watching his displays in the current campaign, while he has always had the height and stature to be used as one.
Despite only being 19 years of age, Acheampong already stands at 6’3″.
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty ImagesJosh Acheampong also had Premier League interest
As well as from Germany, Acheampong also attracted interest from England over the summer.
For example, it was reported that Bournemouth had Acheampong on their radar after selling Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid.
Chelsea were keen on Huijsen before he joined Xabi Alonso’s side, but by keeping hold of Acheampong, things have still worked out well for them despite missing out on the Spain international.
Acheampong has a lot of potential and is performing in the Premier League. There is no reason why he cannot reach Huijsen’s level with a season of regular first-team football under his belt.