Arsenal need more attacking firepower right now and simply cannot afford to miss out on Crystal Palace star Michael Olise after failing to sign his old teammate Wilfried Zaha in the summer.
HITC Football understands that Arsenal are one of several Premier League teams in the race to sign the young Frenchman.
We understand that the 22-year-old has a release clause in excess of £50m after signing a new deal at Selhurst Park last summer.
Given Mikel Arteta’s side are struggling to break teams down right now, the tricky winger might be the perfect addition to their squad.
Unfortunately, they face a lot of competition and might have to make an early move for Michael Olise to avoid missing out.
Arsenal facing similar dilemma to last summer
On paper, Arsenal’s business in the summer transfer window was very impressive.
Declan Rice already looks like one of the best signings of the season and has transformed Arsenal’s midfield.
The jury is still out on Kai Havertz, while the goalkeeper debate continues to rage on with David Raya brought in to replace Aaron Ramsdale.
They were also very unfortunate that Jurrien Timber picked up a serious injury during the first Premier League match of the season.
However, one player Arsenal missed out on in the summer was Wilfried Zaha.
They were linked with the Ivorian international as his Crystal Palace contract came to an end.
But Zaha chose a move to Galatasaray instead and Arsenal can’t afford to make the same mistake with Olise when he becomes available.
Olise one of the Premier League’s best young players
Crystal Palace did some astute business in the summer of 2021 by signing Michael Olise from Reading.
He only cost £8m and has produced plenty of moments of magic at Selhurst Park in the last two and a half seasons.
His last-minute free-kick against Manchester United stands out, while he managed to record 11 assists in the league last season.
Olise has stepped up brilliantly in Zaha’s absence and that should really intrigue Arsenal.
Unfortunately, the main drawback of signing Olise appears to be his injury record.
He was a mainstay during his final season at Reading and did manage to start 31 games last season.
However, he’s only started seven league matches during his campaign but still has five goals in less than 700 minutes of football.
Arsenal must avoid Zaha mistake with Olise
The state of the January transfer window up to this point highlights how many teams are worried about breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Arsenal spent big in the summer and would likely need to sell players to afford another big name arriving at the Emirates.
The Gunners are facing low blocks every week now and struggling to break defences down to create clear-cut chances.
Martin Odegaard is doing his best to thread pinpoint passes into Arsenal’s forwards, but they’re struggling to convert the opportunities he’s laying on.
Olise – like Zaha – would be a much more direct threat for Arsenal and can beat a man and create space like that.
He’s also seriously cool in front of goal and would be a fantastic addition to Arteta’s squad.
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