Chelsea are gearing up to make a substantial £60 million offer for Crystal Palace's rising star Michael Olise, as the Blues aim to strengthen their attacking lineup in preparation for the upcoming season according to Daily Mirror.
The 22-year-old sensation has been on Chelsea's watchlist since the previous summer, and the club's owners are resolute in their pursuit of the talented winger, despite the uncertainty surrounding the managerial position.
Olise's remarkable performances at Selhurst Park have caught the attention of several top-tier clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle, and Liverpool. In the 2023-24 season, the young ace scored an impressive 10 goals and provided six assists in just 14 league starts, showcasing his consistency and high level of performance.
Although Arsenal and United may have the upper hand due to their Champions League qualification, Chelsea remain undaunted in their quest to secure Olise's signature. The club's owners are determined to maintain their aggressive transfer strategy, irrespective of who takes the helm as the new head coach. Several candidates are being considered for the position, including Kieran McKenna, Roberto de Zerbi, Enzo Maresca, Ruben Amorim and Thomas Frank.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner remains optimistic about retaining the services of Olise and other key players such as Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta. However, he humorously acknowledged that the sale of these players could potentially fund the construction of a new stadium for the Eagles.
Chelsea's attacking prowess has seen a significant improvement, with the team scoring 77 goals in the Premier League compared to a mere 38 in the previous season. Cole Palmer has been a standout performer, finding the back of the net 22 times and registering 11 assists. Other players like Mykhailo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling, and Noni Madueke have also played crucial roles in the team's success.
Despite Madueke's solid contributions, scoring five goals and providing two assists in 23 Premier League appearances, Chelsea believe that Olise could be a significant upgrade to their squad. The Palace star's end product, even whilst playing for a weaker team, has been remarkable, and the Blues are confident that he could reach new heights at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea's pursuit of Michael Olise is expected to intensify. With a £60 million bid in the works, the club is determined to secure the services of one of the Premier League's most promising young talents, as they strive to assemble a formidable squad capable of competing for top honours in the upcoming season.