According to reports, Premier League champions Man City have joined Chelsea in the race to sign Crystal Palace attacker Michael Olise.
The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the best young talents in the Premier League and he shone for Crystal Palace last season.
Olise grabbed two goals and 11 assists in the Premier League last term. He was one of Roy Hodgson’s standout players during the run-in as they moved away from the relegation zone to retain their status in the top flight.
Palace have already lost Wilfried Zaha to Turkish side Galatasaray this summer and Olise could also leave in the coming weeks.
A report from Football Insider claims Olise – who has a £35m release clause – is being tracked by Man City and Chelsea ahead of next season.
‘Michael Olise is the subject of genuine interest from both Man City and Chelsea.
‘He’s currently out injured with a hamstring problem he picked up at the Under-21 European Championships, but I’m told he is seen as a long-term project by both sides.
‘Palace will be powerless if either side activates the £35million release clause in his contract with the Eagles. Losing Olise will be a huge blow for the Selhurst Park outfit with Wilfried Zaha already heading to Galatasaray this summer.
‘Chelsea are pushing to land the France Under-21 star, while Man City see him as a potential replacement for Al-Hilal-bound Riyad Mahrez.’
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As mentioned by Football Insider, Riyad Mahrez is set to leave Man City this summer as an ‘agreement’ is in place ahead of his move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli.
The treble-winners are set to receive around €35m for the Algeria international and they are set to use these funds to recruit a replacement.
Earlier this week, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Olise is a “very tempting option” for Man City and Chelsea.
“Another potential Chelsea deal to watch is with Michael Olise at Crystal Palace,” Romano told Caught Offside.
“He’s considered a big talent and Chelsea are following the situation, while Manchester City are doing the same. With Riyad Mahrez leaving for Al Ahli, Olise is one of the players appreciated by Manchester City in that area of the pitch.
“Olise has a release clause at Crystal Palace, worth around £35m, which makes him a very tempting option, but he also had a recent injury, and so clubs are waiting to understand how long it will be until he’s back on the pitch.
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