Chelsea’s next transfer REVEALED
Tom Hancock
- Updated: 15 Aug 2023 15:21 BST
- 4 min read
Chelsea have reached an agreement in principle to sign Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise and are believed to have activated his release clause, which stands at slightly less than €40 million, according to RMC Sport's Fabrice Hawkins.
In the process, Mauricio Pochettino's side are set to beat reigning treble winners Manchester City to his signature, with Pep Guardiola's side also interested in the Frenchman. They have, however, moved onto Jeremy Doku and Lucas Paqueta.
It’s been another big-spending transfer window for the Blues, who finally landed Moises Caicedo on Monday as the midfielder joined from Brighton for an initial €116m (£100m).
Southampton’s Romeo Lavia remains a target for Chelsea in the middle of the park, and a deal for the Belgian looks close, while Olise is the man the west London club have targeted as they look to further bolster their attacking options.
MORE: Chelsea's 10 most expensive transfers of all time
According to Hawkins, Chelsea have reached an agreement in principle to sign Olise, while the Frenchman will sign a long-term deal at Stamford Bridge. David Ornstein has confirmed that Chelsea are believed to have activated the release clause in the 21-year-old's Palace deal.
Olise, 21, was one of the best youngsters in the Premier League last season, providing 11 assists as Palace recovered from a poor first half of the campaign to finish 11th.
In fact, only three players – Kevin De Bruyne (16), Mohamed Salah and Leandro Trossard (both 12) – set up more Premier League goals last term.
MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers | All the Done Deals
A bargain to be had?
Olise joined Palace from Reading two years ago and reportedly had a £35m release clause placed in his deal upon signing for the south London club. That has now been triggered by Chelsea and it seems like incredible value for a player of his immense potential (and already proven quality).
Born in London, he has featured seven times for France U21s – although he could still go on to represent England at senior level.
Chelsea have made two significant attacking additions so far this summer, bringing in Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku from Villarreal and RB Leipzig respectively for more than €100m combined – only to lose the latter to a knee injury which could keep him on the side-lines for several months.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side began the new Premier League campaign with a 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool on Sunday.
