Exclusive: Arsenal now on red alert as Chelsea grow annoyed at their own £13m talent

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Arsenal and Chelsea have often done business with each other – despite being London rivals who regularly compete for the same trophies.

The likes of Ashley Cole, William Gallas, Petr Cech, Oliver Giroud and David Luiz have moved directly between the two clubs over the years, with Willian, Jorginho, Yossi Benayoun and Lassana Diarra also in that category.

In fact, Arsenal and Chelsea even did business together a matter of months ago, as Raheem Sterling moved to the Emirates Stadium on loan, helping the Gunners sit third in the Premier League as things stand.

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Now, TBR Football understand Arsenal have sat up and taken notice after Chelsea handed Cobham graduate Josh Acheampong an ultimatum.

Arsenal on alert as Chelsea tell Josh Acheampong to sign contract or leave

Sources have now informed TBR Football that Chelsea are annoyed at the 18-year-old and his representatives, who the Blues feel are offering the teenager around to other clubs behind their back.

From Acheampong’s camp, we are told the Londoner is frustrated by his lack of action under Enzo Maresca, particularly during the absence of Reece James, who he felt he was capable of filling in for while the England international was sidelined.

The England U20 international is now considering whether his future would be better served elsewhere after James returned to full fitness, although his immediate future has just become quite bleak.

Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Chelsea have decided to take action as Acheampong approaches the final 18 months of his contract, telling the defender he will not be allowed to play or train until he signs a new deal.

TBR Football also understand that Chelsea will refuse their No.34 a loan exit unless he agrees to a contract extension too.

As a result of this messy situation, several sides are on red alert, with Liverpool, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Brighton monitoring Acheampong along with Arsenal.

Outside of England, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Marseille are also admirers of the Chelsea academy graduate, who made one Premier League appearance last season.

Tottenham were also keen to sign Acheampong during the summer transfer window.

How much Acheampong could cost as Real Madrid and PSG also circle

Real Madrid are also said to want Acheampong as his situation at Chelsea turns sour, with the Evening Standard claiming that the Spanish giants are willing to bid €15m (£13m) for the defender, who PSG also like.

It remains to be seen what Chelsea will charge Arsenal and others to sign the homegrown talent, with that £13m figure the only numerical value associated with the wonderkid so far.

Crucially, Arsenal are the only side from the aforementioned bunch of clubs located in London along with Tottenham, so if Acheampong wants to stay close to home, you would imagine Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar have a decent chance of luring him from west London to north London.

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