Josh Acheampong reveals Chelsea transfer stance as Enzo Maresca makes him wait

Josh Acheampong cannot have done many interviews before, and that is what made the prospect of talking with the 19-year-old even more intriguing.

Even for someone who has played in front of tens of thousands of people this season - in his breakout campaign - the prospect of speaking to a group of hungry journalists must be a bit of a daunting one. Yet Acheampong did not seem fazed; making consistent eye contact and delivering clear messages ahead of 's Conference League final this week.

"No, I don't think my friends can make it. I think they're still at school," said the teenager, contextualising things to us journalists. "My mum and dad are coming."

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

It has been what can only be described as a dream season for Acheampong. Last summer, the teenage defender was named in Chelsea's first team squad for the club's pre-season tour of the United States, where he and fellow academy star Tyrique George travelled around America to places such as Atlanta, Columbus and Charlotte.

What was even more telling was the fact it was 's first pre-season as Chelsea head coach and he had put such faith in Acheampong and George. Maresca, from the very first day he was appointed, spent hours watching extensive videos on his new players - whether they were from the first team or the academy.

Something stood out when watching Acheampong. And there was already interest from elsewhere after producing the goods consistently at academy level. Clubs from all around Europe were aware of Acheampong and his situation - with the defender having 18 months remaining on his contract - and were keeping a close eye.

There were talks behind the scenes between Chelsea and Acheampong's representatives and they hit somewhat of an impasse in October. Chelsea then communicated with Acheampong that he would not feature for the club at any level until he pens a new deal. In December, thankfully, there was a breakthrough between the two camps with .

Acheampong understandably was reluctant to get too into the whole saga but he did speak about how encouraging the senior stars were when the drama behind the scenes was taking place. "I spoke to quite a lot of people, to be fair," the Cobham graduate said when reflecting on signing a new deal. "I think everyone, all the players, I liked all the players, so they all wanted me to stay.

"It's all confidence really, but I'd never get too high, I'd never get too low to be frank. I'm trying to stay on the ground."

Maresca, too, had a significant role in convincing Acheampong to remain at Cobham. The Italian spoke consistently behind the scenes with the defender when talks were happening, and was reassuring to Acheampong about his future at the club.

After signing a five-year extension, it was no surprise to see the immensely talented Acheampong reintegrated into the first team. Most of his appearances this season have come in the Conference League, but the defender is yet to be told whether he will play in Wroclaw on Wednesday as Chelsea take on Real Betis in the final of the competition.

Acheampong has made seven appearances in Europe this season - with all of them being starts - but with a trophy on the line in Poland this week, Maresca may be tempted to revert to his tried and trusted in terms of personnel. Either way, while Chelsea have shown that they have clearly outgrown the Conference League this season; the competition has proven to be an excellent tool for the club to use their academy superstars. It has essentially been the making of Acheampong and George.

Next season, though, Chelsea will be playing Champions League football and it does beg a curious question: What next for Acheampong? The Conference League, against lesser opposition, has been the perfect platform for the teenage defender but next term the Blues will be going head-to-head with the best teams in Europe. The rotation from Maresca is likely to be a lot less.

A loan elsewhere could potentially be on the cards but discussions over Acheampong's future have not yet taken place. "No, not particularly," he replied when asked about conversations over his future. "I think I just, day by day, I just focus on training and the games. I've got two finals, two important games. I don't really think much about it."

His fate next season will be decided in the coming months but Chelsea are very excited about what Acheampong has to offer the club in the future. Acheampong himself is very excited about what is to come over the next couple of days.