Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca comments on Josh Acheampong situation, questions representatives

Having made a positive impact as a substitute against Tottenham Hotspur in May, the 18-year-old is regarded as a future star by the Premier League giants.

That has been shown through the defender travelling to the United States with the rest of the senior group for pre-season, as well as being involved in EFL Cup and Conference League squads.

However, it was reported earlier this week that Acheampong has become embroiled in a spat with the club's hierarchy over a new contract.

The Blues board were allegedly expecting the teenager to commit his future to the West Londoners by extending his existing terms past 2026.

Instead, that contract offer is yet to be signed and Chelsea chiefs are subsequently preventing Acheampong from representing the senior side or Under-21s.

'It is a shame for Josh'

Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Greece, Maresca admitted that Acheampong would have earned more minutes had he been available for Thursday's Conference League fixture versus Panathinaikos.

Giving a detailed opinion, the Italian questioned whether his representatives had his best interests at heart, reiterating that Chelsea view him as a potential star for years to come.

Maresca said: "I feel it is a shame for Josh because this kind of game could be an opportunity for him. I had a chat with him about three weeks ago about his situation and the chat we had was very good but since that moment I haven't spoke to him again.

"It's a shame because I really think Josh can potentially be a top player. He is still 18 so very young, many things can change. For the future, he can be very important for Chelsea.

"It's so important for the club that is our intention is not to use him but the first thing we need to do is to find a solution for his contract, for his future.

"It's a bad situation for him at the moment. I don't know if the people are helping him or not. I really like Josh and I would like to have him here with us but it is not possible."

What now?

Before the spat, Acheampong realistically had at least six opportunities - five Conference League games and at least one EFL Cup tie - to further impress before the turn of the year.

On the flip side, the likes of Real Madrid and Newcastle United have been credited as admirers and who could make an approach during the January transfer window.

Boehly and Clearlake Capital have also shown in the past that they are willing to cash in on academy graduates in order to boost the club's position with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations.