Chelsea are on the hunt for a new manager after parting company with Mauricio Pochettino, but it’s not stopped their transfer activity. According to Darren Lewis of the Mirror, Chelsea would like to sign Michael Olise regardless of who is appointed manager.
The 22-year-old impressed at Crystal Palace this season and could be on the radar of a lot of clubs. Chelsea want to move fast as they’re predicting a bidding war with Premier League rivals or European giants. Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool have been credited with an interest.
How good is Olise?
Olise joined Palace from Reading for £8m in 2021 and he’s made 90 appearances in all competitions, scoring 16 goals with 25 assists. The French U21 international impressed this season with 10 goals and six assists from 19 league games.
He spent five months out with a hamstring injury, between August – November and February – April, but still posted impressive numbers. Olise had a hand in seven goals from his last six league appearances, so he finished the season strongly.
Olise created 36 chances and had 40 successful dribbles, averaging a created chance or dribble every 17 minutes. He averaged a tackle (19) or interception (11) every 42 minutes too. He whipped in 97 crosses and had 57 shots, so he’s a real attacking threat.
Gareth Southgate has admitted England are interested in transferring Olise from the French federation too.
How much will he cost?
Palace signed Olise for less than £10m but the Mirror say Palace won’t let him go for less than £60m. The 22-year-old reportedly takes home £4.1m-a-year/£78k-per-week and has three years left on his contract.
Chelsea have spent over £1bn on new signings but are trying to curb the overspending. The Blues can afford Olise, but it remains to be seen how much they’re willing to pay.
Olise would certainly improve their attack, but Palace are in a strong negotiating position. The Eagles don’t need to cash in early for less money, so Chelsea won’t get themselves a bargain.
In other news, Chelsea confirmed the departure of Mauricio Pochettino
