Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs keeping tabs on Crystal Palace attacker Michael Olise, who may leave Selhurst Park in the summer.
According to a report from The Sun, Crystal Palace are set to face a major battle in their bid to keep hold of Michael Olise. The young attacker has emerged as one of the most in-demand talents in the Premier League, with a bunch of top clubs across Europe interested in securing his services in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal and Chelsea are among the Premier League clubs monitoring the progress of Olise, who joined Crystal Palace in a €9.3 million deal from Reading last summer.
Olise’s tally of two goals and four assists in 18 league matches might not be particularly eye-catching. However, the youngster has made a solid impression with his technical skill and chance creation, making him a crucial asset for the team. He was notably the star performer in the FA Cup wins over Millwall and Hartlepool and is expected to play a vital role in the club’s quest to finish in the top half of the table.
Olise’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with Arsenal mulling over a summer swoop for the French youth international. Currently vying for a top-four finish in the league, the Gunners are expecting a busy summer ahead, with Mikel Arteta keen to move on some of the unwanted players in the team, including Nicolas Pepe and Eddie Nketiah.
It could open up an opportunity for the club to make a move for the Crystal Palace starlet, whose ability to play on the right side of midfield or even as a number eight could make him a useful outlet for Arteta.
However, Arsenal are set to face stiff competition from London rivals Chelsea, who are also preparing a major overhaul. Christian Pulisic is facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge and was even linked with a January move to Barcelona. Olise could prove to be an ideal replacement given his skill and versatility in the final third.
Michael Olise isn’t the only Crystal Palace player linked with a move away from Selhurst Park next summer. In addition to the Frenchman, the Eagles are facing a battle to keep hold of Eberechi Eze, with Newcastle United preparing a major offer for the former QPR starlet.
It could be a busy summer ahead for all parties involved, including Olise, as he looks to take the next step in his career after a fantastic start to life in the Premier League.