In their latest bit of summer transfer business, Chelsea are now eyeing up Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise. Olise has a release clause of just €35 million, and the Frenchman has already agreed personal terms with CFC, as he has a ‘slight preference’ to them over Manchester City. At the moment, the Blues are still trying to tie up loose ends elsewhere, which is factoring into the slow progression of this deal.
Of course, as has been reported multiple times by various sources, Chelsea are still in constant communication with Brighton & Hove Albion in an attempt to finally secure the services of midfielder Moises Caicedo. The club are hopeful that the funds they received from Tino Livramento’s sell-on clause will help them make a bid that will force Brighton to cave.
🚨 Chelsea have made a £25m verbal proposal to sign Michael Olise. Personal terms are already agreed. Chelsea still waiting for guarantees on his hamstring injury. (@FabriceHawkins) #CFC pic.twitter.com/bavfI4IGGT
— Pys (@CFCPys) August 4, 2023
As a result of the Caicedo negotiations, Chelsea are weighing up a bid worth less than Olise’s release clause. The club are yet to make a formal offer, as the London native suffered a torn hamstring at the end of June playing for France in the U21 European Championship. However, the west London side have made a ‘verbal’ offer in the vicinity of €30 million.
If the Blues wish to secure Olise’s signature, they better move fast. Ajax and BHAFC have, according to Fabrizio Romano, agreed a fee for the transfer of midfielder Mohammed Kudus. The Ghanaian was once a target of Chelsea’s, but if he agrees personal terms with the Seagulls that’ll be wiped off the board.
A boost for Chelsea’s attack
Whatever the fee ends up being for Olise, it should still be considered a bargain. The 21 year old played for CFC’s youth teams from 2009 to 2015, and could now return with two years of regular Premier League experience under his belt. In addition, he’s also one of the top creators in the division.
Olise finished the 2022-23 season with 11 assists – level with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka for fourth-most. Only Leandro Trossard, Mohamed Salah, and Kevin De Bruyne provided more. As it concerns us, Hakim Ziyech and Raheem Sterling each had three assists; no other Blue recorded more than two.
If Mauricio Pochettino and Co. want to get attackers like Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku rolling, they must find a creator who can consistently supply the ball into danger areas, and at times create something out of nothing. Olise can do both, but only when his hamstring is not torn and he’s back at Stamford Bridge.