Chelsea are set to make a move for Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise this summer regardless of who their next manager is according to reports.
The Blues are on the hunt for a new manager after Mauricio Pochettino’s departure was announced on Tuesday evening following just one season in the Stamford Bridge hot seat.
It’s believed Chelsea want to have a new manager appointed by the end of next week, with the Blues strongly linked to Kieran McKenna and Enzo Maresca, whilst Thomas Frank is also believed to be on the shortlist.
Chelsea to press ahead with move for Olise
Once again Chelsea are set to be active in this summer’s transfer window as has been the case for the majority of the windows since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over the club in 2022.
For the new manager to have the best chance of succeeding backing them in the transfer market will be key and according to The Mirror the Blues are set to press ahead with a move for £60m rated Palace winger Olise.
The report adds the Blues are desperate not to miss out on Olise, who mainly operates on the right wing, and can also be deployed as an attacking midfielder.
Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle are also keen of the France under-21 international, with the Gunners and Liverpool able to offer Champions League football which could serve as an advantage to them.
He has had a brilliant season for the Eagles, scoring ten goals and providing six assists in 19 Premier League appearances.
The 22-year-old was at Chelsea’s academy from 2009-2016, with his brother still at the club now, but it remains to be seen if Olise would be keen on a return.
Chelsea thought they had a deal wrapped up for Olise last summer after the Blues made a £35m bid which triggered the winger’s release clause, only for the player to have a change of heart and end up signing a new deal with a higher clause in it.
The last thing the Blues need is another right winger given how stacked they are in that position, with South American talents Kendry Paez and Estevao Willian set to arrive in 2025.
However, it’s very hard to say no to a player of Olise’s quality so if a move is possible it has to be done, which would mean one of Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke or Raheem Sterling would have to leave the club.