17 August 2023 , 14:57
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Chelsea have very quickly moved on from Michael Olise and are now targeting a move for Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson.
The Blues were chasing Crystal Palace ’s French winger and were hopeful of securing his services after activating a £35m release clause written into his contract at Selhurst Park. However, the transfer has now fallen through with Olise instead penning a new deal with Palace.
Speaking about the U-turn, Eagles boss Roy Hodgson said: "It’s the best possible news we could have. I had been concerned – it’s always concerning when a club of Chelsea’s stature take interest in a player, and people will suggest that a move to them might be the best bet.
“I had always hoped that wouldn’t be the case and that Michael would realise that at such a young age his future here is very bright, and we can help him move very quickly on to another level.
“I am delighted for the club, and I must congratulate Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman on the fantastic job they have done in persuading him that, even though there was pressure from outside, 'this is your place and this is where we think you will progress in the right way and develop in the right way'.”
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And with Chelsea now look unlikely to be signing Olise any time soon, they have already moved onto an alternative target. According to The Guardian, they have added Forest forward Johnson to their shortlist.
Chelsea have opened talks to sign Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson (Getty Images)Would Brennan Johnson be a good signing for Chelsea? Share your thoughts in the comments below
The early groundwork has also been made on a potential deal with talks between the two clubs already reportedly underway. It is said that the Midlands side value the Welsh international at around £45m, although a part-exchange deal that would see players moving to the City Ground has been discussed.
Johnson has shone over recent seasons for Forest. His 17 goals and nine assists were key in Steve Cooper’s side earning promotion to the Premier League, whilst he added a further eight strikes last term as the Reds escaped relegation.
He still has three years left to run on the new contract that he signed in the Midlands only last summer. Forest already appear to have rebuffed interest in him this summer.
West Ham, Brentford and Aston Villa have all been linked with moves for the forward. The latter are aiming to add further reinforcements to their attacking unit, while the Hammers could do with a replacement for Lucas Paqueta should he complete a move to Manchester City.
Forest kicked off their season with a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on the opening weekend. Johnson was named in the starting lineup but was withdrawn late on in place of summer signing Anthony Elanga.