MX23RW : Thursday, October 31 23:51:50| >> :60:572:572:

Chelsea 'submit bid for Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Olise'

Chelsea 'submit bid for Crystal Palace's Michael Olise'
© Reuters
Chelsea reportedly submit a bid for Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Olise that is more than his release clause.

Chelsea have reportedly made a formal approach for Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Olise, who has a release clause in his contract.

While 13 players from last season's first-team squad are no longer at Stamford Bridge, only two have been signed as replacements.

Newly-appointed head coach Mauricio Pochettino has reiterated on more than one occasion that he wishes to make additions to his group before the start of the new campaign.

With Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson having been acquired to strengthen Chelsea's attacking ranks, the expectation is that focus will now be placed on a new central defender and midfielder.

The Blues arguably require an alternative to Wesley Fofana, who may miss the majority of 2023-24 with an ACL injury, while Pochettino requires an experienced option to partner Enzo Fernandez in the engine room.

Chelsea's new manager Mauricio Pochettino during the press conference on July 7, 2023© Reuters

Nevertheless, according to RMC Sport, Chelsea's next move has been to try to secure the signature of versatile playmaker Olise.

The France Under-21 international has enjoyed two productive seasons in the Premier League with Palace, contributing four goals and 16 assists from 63 appearances.

Olise's performances have naturally attracted interest from elsewhere, yet it was claimed at one stage earlier in the summer that the 21-year-old was happy to spend a further campaign at Selhurst Park.

However, the situation is said to have changed with Olise having been reportedly 'seduced' by the prospect of linking up with Pochettino's project in West London.

Crystal Palace's Michael Olise celebrates scoring against Manchester United on January 18, 2023© Reuters

As per the Daily Mail, Olise has a £35m release clause in his contract, with his real valuation arguably more than that figure given his progression with the Eagles.

Chelsea are allegedly ready to pay £39m for Olise, £4m more than his release clause, with payment likely to be structured over several years if Palace give the green light for a deal.

The report adds that Olise has already agreed personal terms to make the switch across the capital at a time when Manchester City are also reportedly monitoring the situation.

Olise is expected to be sidelined until at least October with the hamstring injury that he sustained while representing his country at the recent Under-21 European Championship.

ID:519362:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5017:

Click here for more stories about Michael Olise

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Paris Saint-Germain attacker Kylian Mbappe on July 20, 2023
Read Next:
Chelsea 'to consider move for Kylian Mbappe'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City97202091123
2Liverpool97111751222
3Arsenal95311710718
4Aston Villa95311611518
5Chelsea95221911817
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton94411612416
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest9441117416
8Tottenham HotspurSpurs94141810813
9Brentford94141818013
10Fulham93331212012
11Bournemouth93331111012
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle9333910-112
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham93241316-311
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd9324811-311
15Leicester CityLeicester92341317-49
16Everton92341016-69
17Crystal Palace9135611-56
18Ipswich TownIpswich9045920-114
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves90271225-132
20Southampton9018619-131


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!