Chelsea continue to be linked with French ace with £8m release clause

Chelsea remain interested in Reading starlet Michael Olise

According to Berkshire Live, Premier League giants Chelsea continue to be linked with a move for Reading FC starlet Michael Olise.

Olise spent some time at the Chelsea and Manchester City youth academies before joining the Royals’ setup in 2016. The versatile attacking midfielder broke into the senior team in 2019. But, he has come into his own in the ongoing season.

So far in 2020/21, Olise has featured 24 times across all competitions for Reading. He has racked up a return of four goals and eight assists in the process. (h/t Transfermarkt)

The youngster’s performance have seen him attract interest from a host of the clubs, with Chelsea being one of them. Apart from the Blues, the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City are all keeping tabs on Olise’s situatioon. (h/t Berkshire Live)

In addition, Aston Villa have also joined the race for Olise. Serie A leaders AC Milan are also said to be one of the Frenchman’s suitors.

Olise has just eighteen months left on his current contract with Reading, with the deal running out in 2022. However, the Royals remain very much interested in extending his stay at the club.

But manager Veljko Paunovic has admitted that there is a good chance that the teenage attacking midfielder could leave the club in the ongoing transfer window.

“I am confident [he will stay] but I’m also confident to tell you ‘you never know.’ Every single player is exposed to the market and to the teams that have needs so somebody may pull the trigger in some direction.”

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Olise is said to have a release clause worth £8m in his current contract with Reading. It remains to be seen if Chelsea do make a move for the French youth international this month or in the summer.