Frank Lampard is reportedly interested in signing Chelsea pair Mykhailo Mudryk and Josh Acheampong as Coventry City accelerate their recruitment ahead of their return to the Premier League, according to multiple British reports. Chelsea have yet to confirm any negotiations, and both players remain under contract at Stamford Bridge.
The reported pursuit reflects Lampard’s desire to add both pace and defensive depth to a Coventry squad preparing for its first Premier League campaign in 25 years. Mudryk has recently returned to competitive football after the resolution of his long-running anti-doping case, while academy defender Acheampong has emerged as one of Chelsea’s most promising young talents.
Mudryk’s future has become one of Chelsea’s biggest late-window questions. The Ukraine international has rejoined first-team training under new manager Xabi Alonso after disciplinary proceedings were concluded in agreement with the Football Association and the World Anti-Doping Agency. Alonso said earlier this month that the club had made “no decision” on whether the winger would remain, leave on loan or be sold.
That uncertainty has attracted interest from several clubs, with Coventry consistently named among the leading contenders. Reports suggest Lampard believes regular Premier League football could help revive the 25-year-old’s career after nearly two years away from competitive action.
Mudryk joined Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023 in a deal worth an initial £62 million, but his development stalled following managerial changes and his lengthy suspension. Despite his difficult spell, Chelsea’s coaching staff have praised his reintegration during preseason, leaving the door open to a fresh start under Alonso.
Acheampong represents a different type of target. The 20-year-old defender broke into Chelsea’s senior squad last season, making 17 Premier League appearances and earning a reputation as one of the club’s standout academy graduates. Earlier in the summer, Chelsea reportedly rejected approaches for the England youth international, but recent reports indicate the club may now consider either a loan or permanent transfer as competition in defence increases.
Lampard knows both players well from his time at Chelsea, first as the club’s head coach and later during his caretaker spell in 2023. That existing relationship is viewed as one factor behind Coventry’s reported interest, particularly in convincing young players they would receive meaningful minutes in the top flight.
For Coventry, survival will depend heavily on smart recruitment rather than marquee spending. The club has prioritised younger Premier League players capable of immediate contribution, and the potential additions of Mudryk and Acheampong would fit that strategy if agreements can be reached.
At this stage, however, the situation remains firmly in the reporting phase. Chelsea have not announced talks with Coventry, no transfer fees or loan terms have been confirmed, and Alonso has maintained that decisions on Mudryk will follow further assessment during preseason.
With the transfer window still open, the coming weeks will determine whether Lampard can reunite with two former Chelsea players or whether both remain part of Alonso’s plans for the new Premier League season.
