Enzo Maresca says Josh Acheampong is not for sale, despite Borussia Dortmund and others being interested in Chelsea’s 19-year-old academy graduate.
Maresca spoke on Acheampong amid the rumours ahead of their Club World Cup last-16 clash with Benfica in Charlotte.
Asked for his stance on Acheampong, with Newcastle and Tottenham among their rivals apparently interested in snapping up the teenager, the Blues boss said: ‘The clubs that you mentioned, they like Josh, but we also like Josh.
‘Good players, any club likes good players.
‘My plan with Josh is quite clear. He potentially can be a top defender for this club. It’s on him to have the right timing to do the things.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca (left) has said that Josh Acheampong (right) is not for sale
Acheampong pictured in action during Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Esperance Sportive de Tunis
Maresca spoke to the media on Friday, ahead of Saturday’s game against Benfica in Charlotte
‘We are full of young players here, full of talented players, even defenders.
‘So I think the best plan for Josh is to be with us and I’m very happy if he’s going to be with us.’
Acheampong played the full 90 minutes in Chelsea’s last Club World Cup win over ES Tunis in Philadelphia.
Another one from the Cobham production line, he can play as a full back on either side and also at centre back, though has no preference over his position, so long as he gets to play.