Journalist Fabrice Hawkins has revealed Chelsea have sent a verbal offer of €30 million for the signing of Michael Olise. However, Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has claimed that the club will fight to keep Olise for next season.
Besides Chelsea, Manchester City have also confirmed their interest in signing the former Blues academy product to replace Riyad Mahrez, who has moved to Al-Ahli this summer.
It is also understood that the 21-year-old, who has a release clause of £35 million, might leave the club as the youngster is seduced by Chelsea’s project.
Olise is a dynamic player who can play on the right flank and also as an attacking midfielder. Chelsea could use the player in either position. The Blues have sold plenty of players and have enough space to accommodate the Englishman.
The U-21 player is well-settled in the Premier League, and he was excellent for the Eagles last season, making 11 assists in 37 Premier League games despite their poor form, which saw manager Patric Viera get sacked.
Chelsea will likely compete with Manchester City for his signing, but it won’t be a problem agreeing to personal terms as the player is already excited by the club’s project.
He is well-adjusted in the Premier League, so he shouldn’t take time to make himself known in the squad. Moving to a club like Chelsea will also help him enhance his reputation, despite the fact that Chelsea won’t be competing in the Champions League.
Manchester City can, of course, take advantage of and change his decision. The Cityzens also virtually guarantee a trophy every season and under Pep Guardiola, Olise can become a very good player.
But Mauricio Pochettino can develop Olise into a world-class player as well. If we wish to sign Olise over other suitors, playing time should be one of the factors that can matter. Where will he fit in the starting XI right now? Unless Noni Madueke is benched, that may be very, very difficult.
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