Tomas Araujo and Jorrel Hato interest throws up Chelsea transfer question with no easy answer

Chelsea are in the market for a new central defender this summer as the co-sporting directors look to give Enzo Maresca all of the tools to compete in his second season at Stamford Bridge.

It has been an extremely impressive debut campaign with the Blues – thus far, with the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup extending the season – with Maresca leading his side to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League and also winning the Conference League last month. So that means Chelsea will be playing Champions League football next season.

Champions League football is an enormous step up for this young Chelsea squad and this summer is a chance to strengthen Maresca’s arsenal. A centre-back is one of the numerous areas on the club’s agenda over the next few months.

Good news. Right? Well, maybe not for everyone.

Josh Acheampong has enjoyed a brilliant breakthrough season at Chelsea, with the 19-year-old defender earning himself a new long-term contract extension back in December. Making 18 appearances in all competitions, Acheampong has showcased his ability and adaptability – playing in numerous positions in defence and midfield. He has more than caught the eye of Maresca as well.

Speaking in April, the Chelsea head coach said this on Acheampong: “The one that I fall in love with tonight is Josh Acheampong because for me, potentially he can be a fantastic player, top player for this club, for the football in general and a good player shows you that he can play in different positions and he can do good. He was full-back, good, midfielder, good, central defender, good, so it’s not about I play in that position or in that position.

“If you are a good player, you can be in different positions. And tonight I fall in love with Josh because to be honest, since we started, I’m in love with him but tonight he shows that he can be a very good player for this club.”

Seven of Acheampong’s 18 appearances came in the Conference League – Europe’s third-tier competition and one where Maresca was able to rotate his side and hand the fringe players and some academy stars rare opportunities in the first team. However, the Champions League is less forgiving, naturally, so rotation may not be as heavy next season and that leaves questions over where Acheampong’s minutes are coming from.

A loan move could be the solution. After having a taste of senior football this season, it is imperative Acheampong is able to continue his development and away from Chelsea may be the best solution in that regard.

On top of this, Chelsea are looking to add another central defender to their ranks this summer. Jorrel Hato from Ajax is an option, as are the likes of Tomas Araujo, Marc Guehi and Murillo, football.london understands. If any of those were to arrive at Stamford Bridge, then Acheampong’s chances of minutes lower even more.

There is no chance Chelsea will sell him this summer. They simply rate him too highly. He is going to be a phenomenal player in the future and loaning him out this summer may well aid his development considerably more than sitting on the bench.