Chelsea player told he won’t play until he signs new deal

The player is under increased pressure to pen a new contract.

The Athletic have reported that Josh Acheampong has been frozen out of the first team and under-21's setup until he puts pen to paper.

A highly-rated teenage defender, Acheampong's current deal expires in 2026.

The club have opened talks over his future, although nothing has been finalised yet.

It is understood that the club regarded him as third choice right-back, an understudy to Reece James and Malo Gusto.

However, during games at Bournemouth and West Ham, James and Gusto were unavailable, yet Acheampong was still not included.

Acheampong made his professional debut for the club against Tottenham Hotspur, under former gaffer Mauricio Pochettino.

Although under Enzo Maresca, he has only featured once - a 27-minute substitute appearance versus Barrow in the Carabao Cup.

 The Athletic has reportedly been told by multiple anonymous sources with knowledge of the situation, that Acheampong’s omission is due to the contract talks stalling and the club has informed that him it will not change unless he extends.

The Blues currently sit sixth in the Premier League, having only lost to Manchester City and Liverpool as of yet.

On Sunday, the club came close to a draw at Anfield, which was seen as a serious improvement.