According to The Times, Crystal Palace wonderkid Michael Olise has a £35m release clause in his contract, with Arsenal said to be interested.
What’s the story?
Well, the 20-year-old has shone since joining the Eagles from Reading in an £8m deal back in July, and it’s no surprise to see Arsenal take notice.
Olise has scored four goals in 30 appearances for Crystal Palace, while also providing eight assists – a respectable return in what is his first season in the Premier League.
Patrick Vieira has previously remained coy when asked about the Frenchman’s rumoured release clause, saying: “What I can tell you is Michael is a Palace player. We love him and he’s happy with us. Hopefully he’ll be with us for a long, long period of time.”
Now, The Times – a very reliable outlet – have documented it, which adds a new dimension to Olise’s future.
Mikel Arteta has already started to create an Under-23 superteam in north London, where the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe have been given the freedom to shine.
Therefore, Olise fits the ball as someone who could arrive and make an instant impact under the Spaniard, who clearly has a lot of faith in young prospects.
Arsenal must sign Michael Olise
In our view, Arsenal simply have to trigger Olise’s £35m release clause.
The France Under-21 international will surely be worth at least £60m in a few years if he continues to shine, and as things stand, £35m is a bargain for a player of his ability.
Should Olise go on to have an ever better campaign next season, then there will surely be plenty of top sides queueing up to secure his signature.
Therefore, the Gunners should attempt to beat the crowd and trigger his release clause now, or else the competition might prove too severe.
You might argue that £35m is a lot for a 20-year-old, but Olise is far from a normal 20-year-old.
Ian Wright has already tipped the Crystal Palace No.7 to have an “unbelievable” career.
Elsewhere, Gary Lineker described Olise as a “very, very gifted” attacker.
Keep an eye on this situation, as we’d be very surprised if nobody tried to trigger the wonderkid’s release clause this summer.
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