Chelsea rival Arsenal and Liverpool for Olise alternative who will be sold

Tom Weber

Updated: 26 Jun 2024 10:11 CDT
4 min read

Michael Olise, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Chelsea are among the clubs interested in Johan Bakayoko, according to a report.

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The PSV winger is coming off a breakout Eredivisie season in which he showed himself to be a creative machine for the eventual champions. Bakayoko notched a whopping 14 goals and 14 assists for the Eindhoven side and firmly put his name on the map for Europe's elite.

Indeed, Liverpool have been linked with the Belgian, who is currently at Euro 2024 with his country, since 2023 due to the uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah's future. Bakayoko could be an ideal long-term replacement for the Egyptian King.

However, the Reds aren't the only side interested. Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that Liverpool are just one of 'six or seven' teams who have been keeping a close eye on the Eredivisie's most valuable player. The 21-year-old currently boasts an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €70.8 million.

PSV sporting director Earnie Stewart admitted earlier this year that Bakayoko is likely to leave this summer and more clubs have entered the race to sign him.

Chelsea battle Arsenal

In recent days, it was reported that Arsenal had charged into the frame for the Belgian winger, with Bakayoko potentially acting as brilliant cover for Gunners iron man Bukayo Saka.

Indeed, Arsenal are thought to be leading the race for him, according to CaughtOffside, though it is doubtful whether Bakayoko, who has stated that playing time will be a very important factor in the decision on his future, is willing to play second fiddle at Arsenal.

In addition to the north London giants and Liverpool, the above-mentioned report also states that Chelsea are in the Bakayoko race, which is interesting. The PSV star would certainly fit the recruitment strategy of the Blues, plus they have had to end their pursuit of fellow left-footed right-winger Michael Olise.

Chelsea are on the verge of announcing the signing of strikers Omari Kellyman and Marc Guiu, though it is thought that they are keen to add at least one more senior attacker to Enzo Maresca's side. Could Bakayoko be that player?