- Michael Olise turned down Chelsea last year to sign a new deal at Crystal Palace
- Blues are ready to reignite their interest in winger and battle Manchester United
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Chelsea are looking to rival Manchester United in a bid to sign Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise as they look to freshen up their front line under new manager Enzo Maresca.
The 22-year-old looked destined to join the Blues last summer but surprised the footballing world by putting pen to paper on a new four-year deal at Palace.
Maresca’s side could face a challenge to secure the services of the Frenchman with Manchester United among a host of clubs vying for his signature.
Olise has impressed the Blues after netting 10 goals and providing six assists in a Premier League season plagued by injury.
And now Chelsea are ready to renew their interest in the Palace star, according to the Evening Standard.
Chelsea have reportedly renewed their interest in Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise
The Blue will have to fight it out with Manchester United for Olise, alongside other clubs
It could prove a difficult task to pry Olise away from Palace, though, as it is understood that he is happy under Oliver Glasner in south London.
The Eagles have reportedly slapped a £60million fee on the winger, which is £25m more than the Blues came close to buying him for last season.
The west London side thought Olise was on his way to Stamford Bridge last summer, seemingly activating his release clause, but the deal fell through.
Despite the increase in price tag, Todd Boehly wants to back Enzo Maresca in his first transfer window as Chelsea head coach.
In order to raise funds for deals, such as this one, they are hoping to sell some major stars such as Conor Gallagher and Romelu Lukaku.
The Blues’ goal for next season under their new boss is to secure Champions League football, which is seemingly where Olise wants to be playing in the future.
Conor Gallagher (left) and Romelu Lukaku (right) could leave Chelsea to fund new signings
The fact Chelsea finished sixth place last season and will be playing in the Europa Conference League – due to Manchester United’s FA Cup glory – could hinder a deal.
However, to all intents and purposes they believe Maresca’s arrival could persuade Olise to come back to where he once played.
The French winger was part of the Blues’ academy for seven years between 2009 and 2016 before moving onto Manchester City, and then Reading.
