Michael Olise is ready to snub Arsenal’s interest and stay at Crystal Palace to continue his development by playing regularly.
According to The Sun, Michael Olise could snub an approach from Arsenal to stay at Crystal Palace and continue developing. The Gunners were linked with a move for the French under-21 international as they seek a cover for Bukayo Saka.
The right-wing position at Arsenal has the formidable presence of Bukayo Saka but lacks the necessary cover. January arrival, Leandro Trossard can play there, as can Reiss Nelson, but they are not natural options there. Hence, Mikel Arteta has been searching for a viable option since last summer but has not signed anyone.
Arsenal remain linked with several options, including Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby. The idea of bringing the player into that role becomes challenging, considering only a few players can pip Saka there.
In most cases, players will not want to play second fiddle in a team, irrespective of what they can achieve. A similar case might brew in the background with another one of their targets, Michael Olise. The French Under-21 international continues to impress onlookers with his performances for Crystal Palace, with a move mooted in the summer.
Arsenal were linked with Olise recently as they prepare their plans for the summer. The 2001-born French under-21 international reportedly wants to stay put at Crystal Palace and continue his development rather than become a bench option elsewhere.
The news might come as a blow to Arsenal’s hopes of luring the 21-year-old to the Emirates. The Gunners will also consider it positively, considering they could now switch their attention toward other targets. As for Palace, they can now focus on building the team around the winger.
Palace are already anticipating Wilfried Zaha’s departure, and losing Olise would have been difficult. The club’s board are already working on handing a new deal for the winger and may want to remove that release clause widely reported in the media.
Olise has been a key part of Crystal Palace side signing last season. This term, he has scored twice and assisted eight times in the Premier League as the London side seems likely to avoid relegation after winning their last three games on the bounce.
