23 July 2023 , 18:56
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Chelsea have made an offer to sign Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise this summer.
Mauricio Pochettino is keen to add another attacker to his squad following the departures of Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Christian Pulisic. Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech are also both expected to leave the Blues, while Joao Felix has returned to Atletico Madrid after his loan spell ended.
Having already signed Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and Angelo to beef up his attacking options, Pochettino is now plotting a move for Palace star Olise. According to RMC Sport, Chelsea have made a bid of less than £39million for the France Under-21 international, who is said to be 'seduced in the project' at Stamford Bridge.
Pochettino is a huge admirer of Olise and has already spoken to him about a potential move this summer. Despite already having Noni Madueke, Angelo, Ziyech and Raheem Sterling as senior right-wingers currently in the squad, Pochettino is ready to add another in Olise.
Meanwhile, Manchester City are also said to be interested in a move for Olise after Riyad Mahrez agreed to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. City chose not to sign another right-winger last summer after Sterling and Gabriel Jesus both left the club, with Mahrez and Bernardo Silva often occupying that position.
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Pep Guardiola's side have a slight edge over Chelsea, however, given Olise supposedly has a release clause of £35m that is only available to Champions League clubs. As Chelsea aren't in Europe's elite club competition this season, they are set to offer Palace more for the talented former Reading attacker.
Chelsea are interested in signing Michael Olise (Getty Images)This isn't the first time Olise has been eyed up by a traditional 'big-six' club. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp gave away that he was scouting the Frenchman during the 2021/22 season.
The German claimed he watched Crystal Palace's 0-0 draw with Manchester City for 65 minutes due to "analysis reasons". Interestingly, Olise was brought off by Patrick Viera in the 65th minute at Selhurst Park, making it obvious who Klopp was referring to, especially given Liverpool had been previously linked with the player.
Olise impressed for Palace towards the back end of last season under Roy Hodgson as the Eagles managed to secure an 11th place finish. He scored twice and provided 11 assists in 37 Premier League appearances, with only Leandro Trossard, Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne grabbing more assists.
Palace are keen to keep Olise, who has three years left on his current deal, beyond the summer into next season. The Seagulls have already lost Wilfried Zaha upon his expiry of his contract, with the Ivorian now set to join Turkish side Galatasaray this summer.