- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Chelsea have made an approach for £60 million Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise and the Premier League giants could attempt to fight off Manchester United, Man City Liverpool and Newcastle by offering players in exchange.
Chelsea showed a serious interest in the Frenchman a year ago, when his release clause was just £35 million. One year on, following his finest campaign at Selhurst Park so far, Michael Olise finds himself high on The Blues’ summer wishlist again.
HITC understands that, with Chelsea looking to steal a march on top-flight rivals Man United, Man City, Liverpool and Newcastle – as well as Euro giants Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain – Enzo Maresca’s side have now made contract with Crystal Palace.
Palace, who enjoyed a superb, goal-laden end to 2023/24 under Oliver Glasner, remain firm in their stance that Olise will not be going anywhere unless his current release clause – understood to be in the region of £60 million – is triggered.
Chelsea make Crystal Palace contact over Michael Olise
Chelsea are hoping that a deal can be struck, however, with players possibly offered in exchange in an attempt to lower Olise’s price-tag.
As things stand, it is not certain exactly which players Chelsea are willing to part with. Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja are among those who are likely to be available, however. A striker like Broja – despite a difficult loan spell at Fulham last term – may be welcomed at Selhurst Park with Jean-Philippe Mateta Palcae’s only reliable number nine.
Conor Gallagher is another Chelsea are willing to listen to offers for. Gallagher spent a terrific temporary spell at Crystal Palace in 2022/23 but – a regular in the England squad these days – his sights are likely to be set a littler higher.
HITC understands that Tottenham Hotpsur remain keen on Gallagher. Aston Villa have made their interest known too, believing that the hard-running midfielder is a good fit for Unai Emery’s system.
“From a footballing perspective, I think he would be brilliant for Villa,” former Premier League playmaker Danny Murphy tells talkSPORT (5 June, 10am).
“Gallagher has put himself in a wonderful position with his form at the end of the season. He has shown he can adapt and be comfortable in that (deeper) role.”
Liverpool, Newcastle and Man United also keen
As for Olise, arguably Chelsea’s biggest rivals for his signature are stuck in limbo as they await a moment where they can make a move of their own. Manchester United realistically need to move on either Jadon Sancho or Mason Greenwood first, though Juventus do appear to be stepping up their pursuit of the latter.
Formerly of Reading, Olise is another prime example of Crystal Palace making excellent use of the EFL market under director Dougie Freedman. Ebere Eze and Adam Wharton also moved up from the Championship.
Olise scored 10 goals and provided six assists in just 14 Premier League starts last term. One potential issue his arrival at Stamford Bridge could throw up, however, is that Chelsea already have a handful of wingers who prefer to cut in off the right onto their left feet.
Cole Palmer was a revelation in that position, although he is also comfortable as a number ten. Signing Olise would almost certainly cast doubt on Noni Madueke’s own future, meanwhile, despite a promising final few months under Mauricio Pochettino.
Chelsea are also keen on Aston Villa centre-forward Jhon Duran, according to his agent.
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