Manchester City are now ready to trigger the release clause of Michael Olise – who Chelsea felt they had a deal wrapped up for.
That is according to Tutto Mercato Web.
So, what is the latest on Chelsea target Michael Olise? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well – according to 90min – Chelsea thought they had beaten Manchester City to the Crystal Palace No.7’s signature.
Chelsea boast an excellent relationship with the Olise family – with the winger’s little brother Richard currently in the academy – and the Blues believed this connection had seen them fend off Pep Guardiola.
Now, however, Manchester City are about to trigger the France Under-21 international’s £35m release clause.
Tutto Mercato Web believe the Citizens are ready to activate Olise’s clause first, before Chelsea, as Guardiola looks to replace Riyad Mahrez at the Etihad Stadium – the Algerian has moved to Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia.
The £45,000-a-week Crystal Palace wonderkid has ended up on Manchester City and Chelsea’s radar after a superb 2022/23 campaign, in which only Kevin De Bruyne, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard registered more than his 11 Premier League assists.
Chelsea seem to be preferred option for Michael Olise
While Manchester City can offer Olise Champions League football and an immediate chance at silverware, he would most likely be a squad player at the Etihad Stadium, who will have to settle for frequent rotation like Mahrez did.
At Chelsea – however – he is far more likely to be a star man, and The Athletic believe the prospect of regular football at Stamford Bridge tempts the Londoner.
On the topic of Olise being a Londoner, a move to Chelsea would also allow him to remain living in London, where he has obviously been staying while at Crystal Palace.
As aforesaid, there is also the family connection, with his younger brother Richard in west London.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as anything could happen this summer.
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