Chelsea have reportedly launched a bid for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, as Mauricio Pochettino looks to continue rebuilding his squad.
With Mauricio Pochettino satisfied with how he has trimmed the size of his squad, the focus at Stamford Bridge is now shifting towards incomings. After the arrivals of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson so far this summer, the new Blues boss is focused on recruiting another forward who can be deployed out wide and also as a No.10.
According to French outlet RMC Sport, Chelsea have an agreement in principle with Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise. They have tabled an opening bid of £39million for the winger, though it is unclear as to whether that will be enough to prompt Crystal Palace to open negotiations with their London rivals, the report adds.
Olise, 21, is presently recovering from a hamstring injury sustained at the Under-21 European Championships in June. The Frenchman went into the competition on the back of an impressive campaign with the Eagles, where he registered two goals and 11 assists in 37 Premier League games.
Michael Olise to Chelsea—Good move?
Olise will likely be sidelined until September but that isn’t stopping Chelsea from making a swoop. A move to Stamford Bridge would be a return for Olise, who joined the Chelsea youth ranks aged just seven before leaving at 14 for Manchester City. He moved to Reading in 2016, becoming a first-team player with the Royals before signing for Crystal Palace in the summer of 2021.
At Palace, the Frenchman has developed into one of the most exciting young attackers in the division. Predominantly a right-winger, Olise can play through the middle as a No.10 or in central midfield, and he would add pace, dynamism and creativity to Chelsea’s attack.
The 21-year-old likes to cut in on his left foot and curl in shots beyond the reach of the goalkeepers—thanks to his accuracy and shooting prowess. The Under-21 French international is also proficient from set-piece situations, with his long-range free-kick against Manchester United at Selhurst Park last season demonstrating his quality. However, he is still raw and can improve his overall game a lot under the tutelage of Mauricio Pochettino.
Considering he’s currently out injured, chances of Olise making an immediate impact at Chelsea will be less even if a deal goes through. Nonetheless, the 21-year-old could prove a long-term asset for the Pensioners, who under the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital regime have adopted the policy of signing young players with huge potential on long contracts. He would be a good fit in Pochettino’s attacking, pressing system, whilst improving the quality of the squad.
With Manchester City also keeping tabs on him, Chelsea must try wrapping up the deal for Michael Olise as quickly as possible.