Roy Hodgson has stated that Crystal Palace will have a fight on their hands to keep hold of Michael Olise this summer amid interest from Chelsea and Man City.
The French winger was one of Palace’s standout stars last season. Having produced 11 assists, he was one of the most creative players in the Premier League.
It’s no wonder that clubs like Chelsea and Man City are interested in the 21-year-old, given his huge potential in the game.
Crystal Palace have already lost Wilfried Zaha this summer and so to lose Olise in the same window would be a hammer blow.
“We have a fight on our hands to make sure he stays with us,” Hodgson told reporters while discussing Olise’s future.
“We had two outstanding wingers who were almost the best in the league – Michael Olise on the right side and Wilf on the left.
“We don’t have Wilf anymore. Clubs are circling around Olise. We’ve lost five senior players from last season and brought one in – Jefferson Lerma – he’s good and we’re happy to have him in.
“But there is still that hole of five senior players in the squad, two of whom were two of the real stars of the team.”
The winger is currently recovering from a hamstring injury and is set to miss the start of the new season.
“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.
“Still, it’s one to watch as Olise is on the list at both Manchester City and Chelsea, with both clubs well informed on his situation. Chelsea are really interested, City are just informed and he’s one of three names in their list. The player is open to making a top club move, of course.”
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