Chelsea INTENSIFY pursuit of top transfer target
Tom Hancock
- 7 Aug 2023 16:41 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea are reportedly readying a move for Crystal Palace sensation Michael Olise – but they could face competition from Manchester City.
The 21-year-old winger was one of the standout young players in the Premier League last season, inevitably sparking interest from a number of top clubs.
Only three players – Man City’s Kevin De Bruyne, Liverpool’s Mo Salah and Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard – provided more assists in the English top flight in 2022/23 than Olise’s 11 for Palace.
MORE: Fabrizio Romano gives important Chelsea transfer update
Now, according to Football Insider, Chelsea are set to ‘step up’ their interest in the France U21 international as they look set to miss out to Brighton in the race for Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus.
Olise is believed to still have a £35m release clause in his contract, despite previous reports that it had been removed.
The London-born creator arrived at Palace from Reading two years ago in a deal worth £8m.
MORE: Chelsea transfer FALLS THROUGH after Serie A giants pull out
Palace in a fight
It’s not hard to see why City would be interest in Olise: the Premier League champions recently saw Riyad Mahrez – provider of 10 assists last term – depart for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli.
Arsenal have also been linked with Olise, who scored twice for Palace last season – including a stoppage-time stunning free-kick to clinch a draw at home to Manchester United.
Eagles boss Roy Hodgson admitted last week that the South London club were facing a battle to keep hold of one of their star men.
“Clubs are circling around him and we are going to have a fight on our hands to make sure he stays with us,” he said. “We had two outstanding wingers who were almost the best in the league: Michael Olise on the right side and Wilf [Zaha, who has since joined Galatasaray on a free transfer].”
