Chelsea's 'top target' revealed as Maresca holds key advantage for big-money move

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 10 Jun 2024 16:49 BST
• 3 min read

New Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has already been active in the transfer market by signing Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham, but the centre-back will certainly not be his last addition to the Blues squad this summer.

Chelsea are expected to add several more names to their ranks over the next few weeks, with a report from GiveMeSport claiming that Michael Olise of Crystal Palace is their leading target.

It is claimed that there has been “plenty of groundwork” done for the former France U21 winger, who had 10 goals and six assists across 19 Premier League games last term.

READ MORE: Chelsea risk Musiala 2.0 with wonderkid transfer policy

STATS

Michael Olise

AM (CR), M (R)

C. Palace

Michael Olise

AM (CR), M (R)

C. Palace

All Tournaments

2023/24

• 19

  Games

• 10

  Goals

• 6

  Assists

View all stats

Olise, though, is being followed by a string of Premier League sides. Arsenal and Manchester United are credited with being among his admirers, while Manchester City have been linked with the 22-year-old player in the past.

PSG are among side said to be following a star who missed out on France’s Euro 2024 squad but who has landed a place in Thierry Henry’s panel for the Olympic Games.

READ MORE: Romelu Lukaku sends Enzo Maresca a message

Olise another wide option

Chelsea may have a plethora of wide attacking options, but in recent weeks it has been reported that they are seeking upgrades in this area because they are not happy with the production of their players there.

The likes of Mykhailo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke did not score enough goals and were not active enough to generate assists for the Blues last term.

Olise showed last term that he can be prolific when it comes to having a hand in goals, but there are physical fears for the player, who spent a couple of long spells out last season with hamstring injuries.

Meanwhile, the competition to land the winger promises to be hot because of Arsenal and Man Utd’s interest. This will only drive the player’s price up, with the Stamford Bridge side already in a position where they need to sell before they can consider making a deal.

Nevertheless, Chelsea hold a key advantage for Olise, whose younger brother Richard is in the academy setup at the club, potentially giving them an edge over their transfer rivals.