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Chelsea are reportedly confident about the prospect of beating Manchester United to the signature of Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise this summer.
United retain a strong interest in Olise and have him on their wishlist as a prime target. It’s believed that INEOS and the club’s scouting department are in agreement over pursuing the Palace star.
Despite his season being ravaged by constantly-occurring injuries, Olise still managed to put up highly impressive numbers for the Eagles.
He plundered 10 goals and six assists in 19 Premier League appearances in the just-concluded 2023/24 season. Last month, United were treated to a spectacular show of what Olise can bring to the table as he scored a brace against Erik ten Hag’s men in the 4-0 hammering at Selhurst Park. On that occasion, he got the better of the United defenders and especially made a mockery of Casemiro.
Unsurprisingly, the Red Devils are not the only outfit set to make a move for the 22-year-old. Chelsea are also plotting a swoop for him after their failed bid last summer.
A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Chelsea are determined not to miss out on him again this time, which could complicate matters for United.
According to TEAMtalk who have provided an update on the situation, the Blues are “bullish” about the prospects of landing Olise even as United circle around the young forward.
It’s understood that both clubs have been in constant communication with Olise and his representatives with a view to getting a deal over the line in the coming weeks.
TEAMtalk add, “However, sources have stated there is cause for confidence in Chelsea and they believe they have just as much chance of landing his signature as their Premier League rivals.”
“This is due to several factors that are in the Blues’ favour. Firstly is their location, being in London is something that could sway in their favour with sources suggesting that the playmaker is happy in the capital and has made strong connections in the city.”
“He’s not alone in that as the vast majority of players who play for London sides are able to live a lifestyle that suits the high-earning Premier League footballer.”
“He also has strong relationships with some of the existing squad at Chelsea and has been spoken to by a number of the players in the current crop. They hope to convince him to reject United and choose them over the Red Devils.”
Another factor thought to be working in Chelsea’s favour is the fact that Olise’s younger brother plays for the Stamford Bridge outlet and recently penned a new long-term deal with them.
The battle to sign Olise is expected to run late into the transfer window considering both United and Chelsea need to sell first before buying players.
Palace expect the bidding to start at £60m, which is thought to be the value of Olise’s release clause.
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