Michael Olise: Chelsea and Newcastle approach Crystal Palace about signing winger | Transfer Centre News

Chelsea and Newcastle have approached Crystal Palace about signing Michael Olise.

Chelsea are aware of the interest from other clubs but hold a long-term interest in the forward and are keen to make him one of Enzo Maresca’s first signings.

Olise’s current Palace deal runs until 2027 after he signed a new four-year contract last summer although he has a release clause thought to be in the region of £60m.

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The 22-year-old joined Palace in 2021 from Reading and has scored 16 goals and produced 25 assists in all competitions.

Olise scored 10 goals in 19 appearances last season, his best return despite missing 18 games due to injury, flourishing under new boss Oliver Glasner.

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Speaking on Monday Night Football in May, Jamie Carragher said Crystal Palace’s attacking duo Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise have the quality to play for any team in the Premier League.

His total of 11 assists in the 2022-23 season was the fourth-most in the Premier League.

Olise was named in the France U23 preliminary squad for this summer’s Olympic Games by head coach Thierry Henry and featured in Thursday’s launch of Crystal Palace’s new kit for the 2024/25 season.

The winger’s younger brother, Richard Olise, is a full-back who is already on the books at Chelsea.

‘Chelsea make first move but other clubs interested’Sky Sports News’ chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol:

“Chelsea have made an approach at a pretty high level I’m told, club-to-club, to sign him from Crystal place. Chelsea are realistic about their prospects of trying to do a deal. Lots of other clubs are interested in signing him as well.

“Newcastle, for instance, are interested in signing him. If they sell Miguel Almiron, they have identified Olise as a perfect player to bring in.

“Olise has also been linked with clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool but Chelsea have a long-standing interest in him. He used to play in their academy when he was about 14.

“They tried to sign him last summer as well but he ended up signing a new four-year contract at Crystal Palace. If the money is right Crystal Palace, I sense, would be willing to let him go.

“Chelsea are very, very interested. They have made the first move, but they have lots of competition from other clubs.”

Analysis: Olise outstanding but caution requiredSky Sports’ Nick Wright:

Michael Olise played a crucial role in Crystal Palace’s strong finish to the season under Oliver Glasner, scoring four goals and providing three assists in his final five starts of the campaign.

Either side of injury interruptions, the 22-year-old’s efficiency was almost unrivalled in the Premier League. Olise scored 10 times and provided six assists in 19 games, averaging a goal involvement every 79.8 minutes, the second-best productivity rate in the division.

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The Reading academy product is a thrilling talent who carries a broad threat in the final third, particularly when cutting in from the right onto his stronger foot. He has excelled both as a scorer, from long-range and well as inside the opposition box, and creatively.

His ability to fashion openings is highlighted by the fact that only Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne averaged more expected assists per 90 minutes in the Premier League last season. Olise also has the skill and explosiveness to beat defenders in one on one situations.

It is hardly surprising, given his output and age, that, like his team-mate Eberechi Eze, with whom he has an excellent understanding, he is wanted by the Premier League’s top clubs. Whether he could be this effective over a full season, though, is another question.

Image:
Michael Olise ranked highly in key attacking metrics last season

A total of only 1,277 minutes played means caution is required when assessing his numbers for last season, especially given they are so much higher than in 2022/23, when he ended up with more modest totals of two goals and 11 assists, despite playing 37 games.

Clearly, he has taken a leap forward in terms of his development. But there is also an argument that he is running hot, and that last season’s numbers may not be sustainable over a longer period.

Expectations should be adjusted accordingly if he makes the move to one of the Premier League’s heavyweights. But there is no questioning his talent and potential. Palace face a fight to keep him.

When does the summer transfer window open and close?The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League officially opens on Friday June 14 – the same day that Euro 2024 starts.

The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time.

The Premier League has brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.