Chelsea 'ACCELERATE' on transfer to sign WONDERKID Olise alternative

Tom Weber

Updated: 17 Aug 2023 18:55 BST
3 min read

Chelsea are 'accelerating' on a deal that would see Bradley Barcola be signed as a Michael Olise alternative, according to French media.

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The Blues were left with egg on their face when Crystal Palace surprisingly announced that their French star had signed a new four-year contract despite Chelsea triggering his release clause.

The Eagles had threatened legal action as they felt that Chelsea had 'tapped up' the winger, prompting the Blues to forego any potential hassle and just pull out of the deal.

READ: What is 'tapping up'? Why Chelsea are in hot water over Olise transfer

They are, however, still very keen on signing an attacker who is capable of featuring in wide positions. This has already seen them linked with Nottingham Forest youngster Brennan Johnson, while French media now report that Bradley Barcola has become one of their top targets.

Chelsea face PSG competition

That is at least according to RMC, which claims that the London club have stepped up their pursuit of the Lyon winger. The 20-year-old is coming off a solid season that saw him hit five goals and nine assists, which has made him a hot commodity.

Indeed, Paris Saint-Germain are long-time admirers of the Lyon native and have been trying to strike a deal for weeks. Lyon, who are tough negotiators, have already knocked back an offer worth €35 million from the Parisians, and there are whispers that they could demand as much as €50m for Barcola.

READ: Chelsea target £45m Olise alternative as Romano reveals why transfer fell through

Chelsea, therefore, will have to cough up a sizeable sum in addition to having to stave off competition from PSG. As for Barcola himself, he has not given the green light to any club as things stand, and he is expected to feature against Montpellier at the weekend, who also boast a Chelsea target with an uncertain future in Elye Wahi.