Chelsea are close to reaching an agreement with Josh Acheampong over a new contract, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The fullback had effectively been frozen out after stalling on signing an extension, but Romano says a deal is now “almost done”:

🚨🔵 The agreement between Chelsea and Josh Acheampong over new deal is almost done.#CFC explained again their future view, final details to be sorted.

Maresca confirmed: “The club loves Josh. I love Josh. We are almost there for his new deal. He’s set to start tomorrow”. pic.twitter.com/3RRwpbU7q4

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 11, 2024

Acheampong has not played for the first team since the 5-0 win over Barrow in the Carabao Cup back in September.

However, as Romano mentions in his X post, head coach Enzo Maresca has said that the defender will “start” against Astana in the Conference League this evening.

Chelsea have seen off interest from a host of clubs

For a time, it looked like Acheampong’s head had been turned. Over the last few months, the 18-year-old has been linked with nearly a dozen different teams.

Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Brighton, along with Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Marseille, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have all been mentioned as potential suitors.

Acheampong can provide much-needed cover for James

With the teenager now back available for selection, we could see him play regularly for the first team until captain Reece James returns to fitness. The defender is expected to be sidelined with a hamstring injury until early in the New Year.

Considering Malo Gusto is the only other natural right-back in the squad, it will give Maresca another option for that position. Fans will be delighted that Acheampong is set to commit his future to the club.

Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here