Defeat away to Arsenal last weekend has put Chelsea at a major disadvantage in the race for top four.Â
Regardless of if the side secure Champions League football next season, Todd Bohely and Clearlake are still likely open the cheque book in the summer, though.Â
The Blues are in desperate need of some quality signings including a new goalkeeper and striker. There is also speculation the club will look to add a new centre-back too.
New additions won't be the only thing on the agenda in the summer, though. A handful of departures are also expected.
Josh Acheampong wanted by Real Madrid
Despite being highly rated, Josh Acheampong's Stamford Bridge future is becoming increasingly uncertain.
Acheampong was a target for Crystal Palace in the summer before the young defender's proposed loan to Selhurst Park was rejected.
And now, according to a recent report from TeamTalk, the 21-year-old has emerged as an option for European giants Real Madrid.
Since making his debut nearly two years ago — just three days before his 18th birthday — Acheampong, who's deal expires in 2029, has featured in 36 games in all competitions. The defender's only senior goal came last year during a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
However, undoubtedly talented and set for great things, interestingly, Acheampong isn't the only Chelsea name on Florentino Perez's shortlist.
Striker and England under-29, Jesse Derry, is also mentioned as a target, as is Spurs' Archie Gray and Arsenal duo Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman.Â
The lure of the Santiago Bernabeu often too strong to turn down
Although Real Madrid are best known for their Galactico signings — a term the 15-time European champions coined — the club have reinvented their transfer policy in recent seasons.Â
Such has been the success of Jude Bellingham following his transfer from Borussia Dortmind two-and-a-half years ago, Los Blancos now place greater emphasis on identifying young talent.
And a player like Acheampong fits their criteria perfectly. He's not only young, he's also incredibly versatile, and having already featured in 16 Premier League games, is relatively proven despite his age.
Should the opportunity to swap Stamford Bridge for the Santiago Bernabeu present itself in the summer, not only would Chelsea find an offer that would reflect positively on the books hard to turn down, but so would the player.
Nevertheless, given how impressive Acheampong has been during his limited chances, fans definitely won't want to see the number 34 move on.