Football
Michael Olise: Chelsea and Newcastle approach Crystal Palace about signing winger
Chelsea and Newcastle have approached Crystal Palace about signing Michael Olise.
Chelsea are aware of the interest from other clubs but hold a long-term interest in the forward and are keen to make him one of Enzo Maresca’s first signings.
Olise’s current Palace deal runs until 2027 after he signed a new four-year contract last summer although he has a release clause thought to be in the region of £60m.
The 22-year-old joined Palace in 2021 from Reading and has scored 16 goals and produced 25 assists in all competitions.
Olise scored 10 goals in 19 appearances last season, his best return despite missing 18 games due to injury, flourishing under new boss Oliver Glasner.
His total of 11 assists in the 2022-23 season was the fourth-most in the Premier League.
Olise was named in the France U23 preliminary squad for this summer’s Olympic Games by head coach Thierry Henry and featured in Thursday’s launch of Crystal Palace’s new kit for the 2024/25 season.
The winger’s younger brother, Richard Olise, is a full-back who is already on the books at Chelsea.
‘Chelsea make first move but other clubs interested’
Sky Sports News’ chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol:
“Chelsea have made an approach at a pretty high level I’m told, club-to-club, to sign him from Crystal place. Chelsea are realistic about their prospects of trying to do a deal. Lots of other clubs are interested in signing him as well.
“Newcastle, for instance, are interested in signing him. If they sell Miguel Almiron, they have identified Olise as a perfect player to bring in.
“Olise has also been linked with clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool but Chelsea have a long-standing interest in him. He used to play in their academy when he was about 14.
“They tried to sign him last summer as well but he ended up signing a new four-year contract at Crystal Palace. If the money is right Crystal Palace, I sense, would be willing to let him go.
“Chelsea are very, very interested. They have made the first move, but they have lots of competition from other clubs.”
When does the summer transfer window open and close?
The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League officially opens on Friday June 14 – the same day that Euro 2024 starts.
The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time.
The Premier League has brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.