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New Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has reportedly made it clear that he has no intention of selling Josh Acheampong during the upcoming summer transfer window, according to journalists Fabrizio Romano and Ben Jacobs. This decision is expected to be a major setback for Manchester United, who were hoping to bring the young defender to Old Trafford.

According to reports, Chelsea’s ownership group BlueCo and Alonso have mutually agreed that Acheampong will remain part of the squad at Stamford Bridge. The 20-year-old defender has impressed since graduating from Chelsea’s youth academy and establishing himself in the first team.

A regular with the England Under-21s, Acheampong is primarily a right-back but has shown versatility by playing as a centre-back and even filling in at left-back when required. The talented youngster is under contract with the Blues until the summer of 2029, and Romano has confirmed that he will continue as part of Alonso’s senior setup next season.

At 7:50 pm on June 1, Romano posted on X: “EXCL: Chelsea reject approaches from clubs around Europe and two from Premier League for Josh Acheampong. Defender seen as untouchable for the new era under Xabi Alonso, first decision made together between #CFC and new coach. Acheampong stays, under contract until 2029.”

While Romano did not specify which Premier League clubs made unsuccessful bids for Acheampong, Manchester United are believed to be among those who expressed interest. TalkSPORT journalist Ben Jacobs previously reported that United had been monitoring the young defender closely.

Speaking on The United Stand, Jacobs said: “Murillo has been discussed in the past. A more right-sided option, Josh Acheampong, who Chelsea have always said, he is just not for sale. Period. And I am led to believe that’s a genuine stance. But Acheampong, who is also on the radar of Manchester City, will have to consider under the new manager how much playing time he’ll get next season. Because Chelsea are targeting another starting centre-back. Maybe if Alonso opts for his preferred back-three system, Acheampong will see more opportunities, maybe he won’t. From Chelsea’s perspective, he’s untouchable, but the player might look to explore options if regular minutes aren’t guaranteed.”

Jacobs reaffirmed that Manchester United remain interested in signing Acheampong but added that Chelsea are firm in their position that the player will not be sold. Posting on X at 8:03 pm on June 1, Jacobs wrote: “Chelsea have rejected approaches from multiple clubs in England and Europe for Josh Acheampong, as @FabrizioRomano called. Acheampong is appreciated by Manchester City, Manchester United, and Bayern. He is considered untouchable by Chelsea and an important part of Xabi Alonso’s plans. Acheampong is contracted until 2029.”