Chelsea STUNNED as Olise transfer takes UNEXPECTED twist
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 17 Aug 2023 21:46 BST
- 6 min read
Breaking
Chelsea have been thwarted in their hopes on landing Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, with chairman Steve Parish announcing that the attacker has signed a new deal with the club.
The Blues' pursuit of the attacker had become a controversial one, with Chelsea and Crystal Palace over a deal that might have cost Todd Boehly's side €53 million (£45m).
Palace had accused the Stamford Bridge side of tapping up the 21-year-old, who is presently injured after sustaining a hamstring injury while on France U21 duty during the European Championship.
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The outcome for the Selhurst part club is, however, a positive one, with Olise surprisingly deciding against a move to Chelsea and signing a new deal with Crystal Palace.
Taking to Instagram, Eagles chairman Parish announced: "I’m absolutely delighted to announce Michale Olise has decided to commit his future to Crystal Palace football club and this afternoon signed a new four-year deal with the club."
Olise joined Crystal Palace in 2021 when he signed from Reading on a deal worth around £8.5m and has since gone on to play 71 times for the club, scoring six goals and creating 19 more.
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Palace deny Chelsea
It had been forecast that Olise would add to Chelsea's summer signings, with a group of seven new additions set to be joined by Romeo Lavia of Southampton in the coming hours.
The Blues are also expected to sign a goalkeeper in the coming days while they will continue their pursuit for attackers.
It is rare for Chelsea to suffer such a bloody nose in the transfer market, with their addition of Moises Caicedo from Brighton evidence of the Blues generally getting who they want.
While this represents a blow for Chelsea, it is a huge statement of intent from Palace, who saw Wilfried Zaha depart them this summer to Galatasaray on a free transfer.
Roy Hodgson's attacking plans are, therefore, liable to be built around Olise, who has opted for a starring role for the Eagles rather than a walk-on part for Chelsea.
