Chelsea are reportedly set to reward Josh Acheampong with a “bumper” new contract following his eye-catching start to the 2026-27 season under Xabi Alonso.

The England international has started six of Chelsea’s nine matches across all competitions so far this term and he has played the entire 90 minutes in both of their Premier League fixtures since the international break - a 5-1 win over Bournemouth and a 2-0 victory against Everton.

It’s reported that Alonso held a meeting with Acheampong’s representatives over the summer, in order to confirm that he would play a key first-team role this campaign, and the 20-year-old is now set to be handed an extended contract on improved terms.

That is according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, who claims that Acheampong is expected to be handed a “bumper” new deal by the Chelsea hierarchy.

His current contract runs until 2029 and it’s understood that he will become the latest Blues star to be offered the chance to commit his long-term future to the club, following the likes of Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Moises Caicedo, who have all penned new deals this year.

Only Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill have played more minutes for Chelsea than Acheampong (581) so far this season and while he has been linked with a Stamford Bridge exit on several occasions in recent years, he is regarded as one of the club’s “untouchables” by the hierarchy.

Josh Acheampong: A Xabi Alonso favourite?

Acheampong has cemented his place as one of Alonso’s key players at Chelsea this season and the Blues manager is evidently a huge fan of the 20-year-old, who could soon be rewarded with a senior England call-up.

“He [Acheampong] has taken a step forward. He is playing more maturely and more aggressively, and is knowing what it takes to compete in the Premier League,” Alonso told reporters earlier this month.

“He is on that journey as he has great potential and great qualities. He has played and he will play again.”

Meanwhile, Alonso admitted in August: “For me, when he plays with confidence and aggressiveness, he has a lot of attributes for a modern defender because he can play in different positions, he’s good with the ball, and he understands his role…

“There will be different moments in the season for sure, because we want to have healthy competition in all positions. But Josh is doing well and we’re happy for him, and he is happy as well.”