Chelsea continue to make moves in the summer window and have submitted a £39 million bid for winger Michael Olise, per Fabrice Hawkins, who claims that the player “agrees to go to Chelsea” in principle.
So far, the Blues have seen the pre-arranged deal for Christopher Nkunku completed this summer, while they have also sealed moves for Villareal’s Nicolas Jackson and Brazilian winger Angelo.
Chelsea Submit Opening Offer for Michael Olise but Face Stiff Competition
How Olise Could Fit in Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea Side
Chelsea still have work to do this summer despite the Premier League season being less than three weeks away, with a mouth-watering opener at home to Liverpool awaiting Mauricio Pochettino and his side.
The recent injury to Wesley Fofana will force another look at the defensive options available, while Chelsea’s central midfield area remains short, hence their pursuit of Moises Caicedo.
Read More: Moises Caicedo to Chelsea – The Latest
However, their attack could be another area of concern as only Raheem Sterling has lengthy experience operating at this level.
Nkunku is an interesting signing and it will be an intriguing watch to see where he fits in among the front three, with Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja the other recognized centre forwards currently in the squad at Stamford Bridge. Sterling, Mykhalo Mudryk, and Noni Madueke are the only options in the wide areas, and the lack of depth there is perhaps why the Blues are making a move for Olise.
Chelsea Face Competition
According to Hawkins, Chelsea have submitted their opening bid for Olise.
The France U21 international registered two goals and eleven assists for the Eagles last season, picking up five man-of-the-match awards and drawing in the attention of some of the league’s biggest clubs.
The Daily Mail report that Chelsea’s bid exceeds the £35 million release clause at £39 million, and also credit interest from Manchester City. A bid from the Citizens cannot be ruled out as Pep Guardiola searches for a replacement for Riyad Mahrez.
Read More: ‘I Can Tell You’ – Fabrizio Romano Drops Chelsea Transfer Update on ‘Excellent’ £40m Target
Why Michael Olise Could Be a Fantastic Signing for Chelsea
Olise fits with Chelsea’s current transfer strategy: signing young talent with huge potential. But he has the bonus of Premier League experience.
He could turn out to be the club’s greatest signing this summer, as his creativity is something Chelsea lacked for large parts of last season. The winger has 16 assists across the last two Premier League campaigns, and that is made only more impressive considering it was for a side competing in the bottom half of the table.
But it is his impressive work rate off the ball that may just seal the deal for new manager Pochettino. Reece James is an excellent right-back, but he does like to move forwards, so having Olise in front of him to provide cover as needed could prove invaluable.
Palace team-mate Joel Ward foresaw big things in Olise’s future. Speaking in May after a victory over Bournemouth, he said: “Michael’s a special talent. The world’s his oyster and he’s just getting better and better from game to game, so I think he’s going to go onto new heights and set the bar. If he continues that way, he’s going to go on to special things.”
A move to a bigger club would also benefit the player on the international front, as a place in the France squad at Euro 2024 is a real possibility if he can impress on the highest level in the 2023/24 season.
Main image credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports
