Chelsea enter the new season desperate to move on from a disastrous campaign that left the club without European football for the first time in years.
A turbulent year saw three different managers occupy the Stamford Bridge dugout before Xabi Alonso arrived to lead a fresh rebuild.
The Blues have already trimmed their squad this summer.
Marc Cucurella completed his move to Real Madrid, while Tyrique George joined Everton in a permanent deal.
Chelsea also strengthened several positions by bringing in Geovany Quenda, Marco Palestra and Emmanuel Emegha. However, not every player at Stamford Bridge appears convinced about staying.
One of Chelsea’s brightest young defenders has reportedly grown frustrated with his role in the squad and now wants a move elsewhere in search of regular football.
According to Eduardo Hagn, Arsenal have emerged as the preferred destination for Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong.
The versatile defender enjoyed a breakthrough season during the 2025-26 campaign and featured 31 times across all competitions.
He impressed whenever called upon and showed his ability to play at right-back, centre-back and even on the left side of defence.
Despite those performances, consistent Premier League starts remained difficult to secure.
Competition for places limited his opportunities and left him searching for a clearer pathway to regular minutes.
Journalist Eduardo Hagn claims the 20-year-old wants to leave Chelsea and would welcome the opportunity to join Arsenal if a deal became possible.
The move would immediately become one of the most controversial transfers of the summer.
Chelsea still regard Acheampong as one of the club’s most valuable young assets and remain reluctant to strengthen a direct rival.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE:
Josh Acheampong would be keen on joining Arsenal this summer. 🏴
Chelsea do NOT want to sell him but the player wants to leave and has been offered around.📍 pic.twitter.com/RDopAjLtNF
— Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagn) July 5, 2026
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