Chelsea have 'agreement in principle' for key transfer target

Stuart Telford

• 6 Aug 2023 12:51 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea have agreed terms with Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, according to reports in France.

Chelsea are in the market for an attacking midfielder having lost Mason Mount to Manchester United, and Palace's France under-21 star Olise has been shortlisted as a potential replacement.

Then London-born youngster spent time with Chelsea and Manchester City at academy level and made his professional debut with Reading before joining Palace in 2021.

READ: Who is Michael Olise? The Crystal Palace star on the radar of the Premier League's elite

His performances since have caught the eye, and after 11 Premier League assists in 37 games last season, the Blues are reportedly ready to bring him back to Stamford Bridge.

"Chelsea, who have been following him for weeks, made a verbal offer of around €30 million for the France under-21 player," report RMC Sport. "An agreement in principle exists between the Blues and Olise."

Olise injured

However, it is understood Chelsea want reassurances about Olise's fitness before committing to his transfer.

READ: Creative machine: Why Man City and Chelsea are desperate for Olise

Olise was injured on international duty with France at the recent European Under-21 Championship in Romania and Georgia, and Palace manager Roy Hodgson has since confirmed he will miss the start of the season with a torn hamstring.

But he is expected back soon after that and it could be a gamble Chelsea are willing to take, having reportedly missed out on Ajax's Mohammed Kudus - a player in the same position - with Brighton winning the race for the Ghanaian.

Chelsea have nonetheless been active in the summer transfer market, and Christopher Nkunku and Angelo - signed from RB Leipzig and Santos respectively - can both also occupy Olise's position, although the former is more likely to start on the opposite flank.

Olise is valued at €27.2m buy FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm, but his age and creative ability could make €30m a snip for Chelsea once Olise recovers.