Manchester City is on the hunt for a worthy replacement for Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez, and they seem to have identified an exciting prospect in the form of Crystal Palace attacker Michael Olise.
The 21-year-old Frenchman has caught the attention of top European clubs, with Chelsea also keen on securing his services.
Since making the move from Championship side Reading in the summer of 2021, Olise has rapidly become one of Crystal Palace’s most vital players. The young talent showcased his potential by finding the net twice in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 campaigns.
However, it was in the playmaking department where Olise truly shone, providing an impressive tally of 11 assists for his teammates in 37 league matches last season.
The statistical progression in Olise’s game has been remarkable. While initially known for his goal-scoring ability, he has transformed into an exceptional playmaker. His vision and creativity on the wing have made him a sought-after asset for any team.
Olise’s ambition extends to the international stage as well. He represented France Under-21s in this summer’s European Championships in Georgia, gaining valuable experience and further enhancing his pedigree.
The young attacker will undoubtedly have his eyes set on earning a place in the Les Bleus squad for Euro 2024 in Germany.
Manchester City, under the stewardship of Pep Guardiola, is keen on bolstering its squad to maintain its success. After securing a historic treble in the 2022-23 season, the Citizens face the challenge of finding suitable replacements for key departing players.
The reported interest in Olise indicates that Guardiola sees potential in the young Frenchman to contribute significantly to the club’s future endeavors.
Chelsea, too, has its sights set on the talented winger. Interestingly, Olise began his football journey in Chelsea’s youth ranks before moving to Reading’s academy in 2017.
With the departure of some first-team players, the club is actively looking to reinforce its attacking options. Signing Olise would be a homecoming of sorts and add promising depth to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.
Despite a hamstring injury sustained during international duty over the summer, Olise’s potential move to either Manchester City or Chelsea is not expected to be impacted.
Both clubs are reportedly undeterred by the £35m release clause, viewing the investment in the youngster as a promising addition to their squads.