Bournemouth are reportedly keen on Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong as they seek to strengthen their backline ahead of the new Premier League season. With the departure of key defenders such as Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, and potentially others, the Cherries face the challenge of rebuilding a significant portion of their starting defence.

According to BBC Sport, Bournemouth recently submitted a £26 million offer for Lille’s Bafodé Diakité, who is valued at £35 million, but the bid was rejected. This has led them to consider alternative targets, with 19-year-old Acheampong emerging as a viable option.

Acheampong made his Chelsea debut in May 2024 but struggled for consistent first-team opportunities amid contract negotiation difficulties. After being sidelined, he was brought back into the fold in December 2024 and signed a new long-term contract with Chelsea until 2029.

The young defender is reportedly seeking assurances on playing time, and while Chelsea are reluctant to sever ties completely, they may consider a loan move for Acheampong to facilitate his development.

Bournemouth’s recruitment drive is critical as they aim to fill gaps left by the departures of Huijsen and others. The club also has interest in Illia Zabarnyi from Paris Saint-Germain and recently replaced Kerkez with Adrien Truffert from Rennes. The defensive reshuffle highlights Bournemouth’s need for strategic signings to maintain competitiveness in the Premier League.

The latest transfer developments across major European clubs reveal a complex web of interest and negotiation. Liverpool value Luis Díaz highly, with internal estimates ranging from €80 million to €100 million. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich have expressed interest in Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, although the player prefers to stay in the Premier League, where Aston Villa and Chelsea are monitoring him.

Chelsea recently made an offer around €65 million for Juventus’ Kenan Yıldız, but the Italian club is adamant about retaining the young winger. Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta is pushing for a move for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, who is also in talks with Chelsea.

Manchester City has approached Newcastle regarding a £50 million bid for right back Tino Livramento, but Newcastle aims to renew his contract. To offset potential departures, Newcastle may pursue Wolverhampton’s Jørgen Strand Larsen as a striker replacement.

In midfield, Juventus’ Douglas Luiz is attracting attention from Everton, Liverpool, and West Ham – Luiz has delayed preseason return to prompt a transfer. Tottenham Hotspur, despite wishing to keep him, may loan young winger Mikey Moore after his request. Liverpool face transfer pressure from Real Madrid and Barcelona for center back Ibrahima Konaté, with Liverpool priced at £40 million to avoid losing him on a free next summer.

Real Madrid’s new coach Xabi Alonso has concerns about adapting Trent Alexander-Arnold defensively to his style. Barcelona are targeting Man City’s Erling Haaland as a future replacement for Robert Lewandowski; Haaland is reportedly dissatisfied in Manchester and open to leaving the Premier League.

Real Madrid also prepare to negotiate with Vinicius Junior regarding his contract amid concerns over his current form versus salary demands. Villarreal are close to signing Inter’s Tajon Buchanan for €9 million.

Additionally, Como’s manager Cesc Fàbregas aims to sign Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, who is uncertain about staying in MLS and may consider returning to Europe, having ruled out Saudi Arabia. This potential move could mark a significant shift in Messi’s career trajectory.

Jorrel Hato has emerged as one of the foremost young defensive talents in Europe since debuting for Ajax in January 2023. Chelsea’s interest reflects his growing reputation as a versatile and technically gifted player shaped by the principles of totaalvoetbal, where players adapt to multiple roles on the pitch.

Primarily a defender, Hato combines strong tackling with exceptional recovery speed. His real distinction lies in his ball-carrying ability and composure under pressure, driving attacks from deep positions with nimble footwork and a low centre of gravity. Equally adept at long and line-breaking passes, he is a reliable left-footed presence in defence.

“If you play at the Ajax academy, you always get that bravery the coaches tell you to play with,” Hato remarked, highlighting his willingness to dribble past opponents and create chances when space permits.

His leadership qualities complement his technical skills, evidenced by his vice-captaincy at Ajax and becoming the youngest captain in the club’s history at just 17 years and 282 days. However, questions about his physicality persist. Standing 5’11″, Hato faces challenges in aerial duels, especially against bigger forwards, a concern highlighted by former Ajax manager Francesco Farioli.

Hato himself acknowledges the need to improve physically, aiming to add muscle and aerial prowess. Until then, in senior matches, he has often been utilized as a left back, where his agility and passing shine without requiring frequent physical confrontations.

Dutch football circles draw parallels between Hato and players like Nathan Aké, Joško Gvardiol, and notably Arsenal’s Jurriën Timber, whom Hato cites as a mentor. The Chelsea connection is reinforced by his admiration for former Blues defender Thiago Silva, an inspiration given Silva’s success despite not being the tallest centre back.

At Chelsea, Hato is expected mainly to act as a left back, providing cover for Marc Cucurella. He has embraced this role, describing himself as an “all-rounder” comfortable both centrally and wide. Under coach Enzo Maresca’s tactics, which favour full back inversion and flexible positioning, Hato’s ability to shift inside or step up into midfield will add valuable tactical options.

This flexibility could reshape Chelsea’s defensive setup, balancing defensive sturdiness with attacking support from the flanks. While he is not likely to immediately displace Cucurella, Hato’s presence will strengthen squad depth and enable tactical variations crucial for competing at the elite level.