Michael Olise continues to be heavily linked with a move to Chelsea and Manchester City this summer as either side hopes to further bolster their options in the wing
Michael Olise is attracting interest from Chelsea and Manchester City in the summer transfer window. The Frenchman fits the player profile Mauricio Pochettino is looking to add to his squad ahead of next season.
Olise has impressed during his time with Crystal Palace and could be set for a move to one of the top Premier League clubs this summer. With Noni Madueke expected to play a starring role this season for the west Londoners, Hakim Ziyech, Callum Hudson-Odoi and even Raheem Sterling all face relatively uncertain futures at Stamford Bridge.
While the Blues have done well to trim down a bloated squad so far, they must now replenish Pochettino's options with hungry and exciting new players. So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest news concerning the potential transfer of Olise to Chelsea.
Release clause confirmed
According to Fabrizio Romano, there is in fact a £35million release clause in Michael Olise's contract with Crystal Palace. For a long time, it was widely reported that the winger did not have such in his deal at Selhurst Park.
Man City stance
Alongside Chelsea, Manchester City are also interested in signing Michael Olise from Crystal Palace. Pep Guardiola is searching for a Riyad Mahrez replacement and has identified Olise and Jeremy Doku as two options.
According to The Athletic, Man City have no intention of spending more than £50million to sign Olise which is unlikely to be enough for Palace to sanction an exit.
Hodgson verdict
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has admitted that several clubs are interested in Michael Olise and it may be difficult for the Eagles to keep him this summer.
As quoted by Chris Wheatley, in a press conference on Tuesday, he said: “Clubs are circling around him and we are going to have a fight on our hands to make sure he stays with us.”
Guardiola hint
Pep Guardiola has spoken out on the likelihood of Manchester City signing a Riyad Mahrez replacement amid links to Michael Olise.
"The market is open until the end of August," he said in a press conference ahead of Man City taking on Atletico Madrid in South Korea. "I think a few things or many things are going to happen. We will see if we need wingers or inside players, we will see what happens with loan players, which players stay here or not."
Agreement 'close'
The Frenchman could be available for around £35million even though the release clause in his contract is not thought to be active anymore. "There is genuine interest," journalist Ben Jacobs told GiveMeSport.
"Crystal Palace don't want to sell, but Olise is very close to agreeing terms with Chelsea. Obviously, players can agree terms have multiple clubs, so the most important thing in all of this is whether a deal can be reached with Crystal Palace, but he is a very concrete option for Chelsea. Therefore, he is one to watch over the coming weeks."
Chelsea concern
According to Fabrizio Romano on the 'Here We Go' podcast, there has been no bid from Chelsea for Michael Olise. Instead, it's believed that the Blues are waiting to hear about the winger's injury before pursuing a potential transfer.
Injury worry
Roy Hodgson expects Michael Olise to miss the start of the season after he suffered a tear to his hamstring while playing for France at Under-21s European Championships last month. As quoted by the Evening Standard, the Crystal Palace boss said: "We've known since the injury that it's going to take a while for him to get fit again.
"It was a serious injury which required an operation. He's well into his rehabilitation but it's going to take a bit longer for him to recover. At the moment we're just hoping that the rehabilitation will go well and that we get him back as quickly as possible. But we certainly we won't be seeing him for a period of time."
Bid made
Chelsea have made an opening offer for Michael Olise this summer, according to a report from RMC Sport. The Blues are believed to have an agreement in principle with the forward over a switch, with a fee still in discussion with Crystal Palace to be able to complete the move.
Chelsea and Manchester City interest
Chelsea and Manchester City are showing interest in a move for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The France youth international is claimed to have a release clause worth £35million, but there's uncertainty surrounding a move due to a hamstring injury recently picked up.
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