Chelsea boss reveals transfer stance on defensive duo amid exit speculation
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca wants to hold onto both Josh Acheampong and Trevoh Chalobah, but admits that 'anything can happen' in the summer transfer window.
Acheampong has been linked with both Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund after breaking into the Chelsea senior squad last season, starting four times in the Premier League.
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The 19-year-old, who can play as a right-back, wing-back and in central defence, is considered a top prospect after featuring prominently in the club's Uefa COnference League success.
Chelsea boss reveals transfer stance on Acheampong and Chalobah
Speaking ahead of Saturday's Club World Cup round-of-16 meeting with Benfica, Maresca expressed his desire for the teenager to remain at Stamford Bridge.
'My idea or my plan with Josh is quite clear. I think he potentially can be a top defender for this club. I feel the best plan for Josh is to be with us.'
Chalobah, meanwhile, has been linked with Napoli, Inter Milan and a possible return to Crystal Palace. Chelsea seemingly wanted to offload the centre-back last summer, but sent him on loan to Palace after failing to find a buyer. He was recalled in January following an impressive spell at Selhurst Park.
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'All the players that are here with us, I don't want to lose them,' Maresca added. 'But then we said many times that when the window is open, unfortunately, anything can happen. To buy a player or to sell a player.
'Trevoh came back with us in January. If we did the Champions League spot in the top four, it's also because of Trevoh. He helped us a lot. In this moment, he played also some games here.
'He is with us. We are happy with him. Then, as I said, unfortunately, when the window is open, anything can happen, but not only for Trevoh, but for the 25 players of the squad.'
Read – Newcastle and Brighton in transfer 'talks' as £50m bid for Chelsea target rejected
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