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Arsenal 'at head of queue for £60m-rated Premier League winger'

Arsenal 'at head of queue for £60m-rated Premier League winger'
© Reuters
Arsenal reportedly have the edge over their Premier League rivals in the race to sign Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.

Arsenal reportedly hold the upper hand in the race to sign Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.

The Frenchman struggled with hamstring issues during the 2023-24 season, restricting him to just 19 Premier League appearances.

Despite being hampered by injury, Olise still managed to enjoy a productive campaign, netting 10 goals to finish the campaign as Palace's third-highest scorer behind Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Olise also finished the season with a total of six assists – only Jordan Ayew registered more Premier League assists for Palace during the most recent campaign.

After experiencing a strong end to the season, the Eagles will be keen to keep their best players for Oliver Glasner's first full campaign as Palace boss.

Crystal Palace's Michael Olise during the warm up before the match on April 21, 2024© Reuters

Arsenal have edge in Olise pursuit

However, they have a fight on their hands to retain Olise's services, with a number of top Premier League clubs said to be pursuing his signature.

A recent report claimed that Manchester United were keen to open negotiations over a summer move for the France Under-21 international.

Olise is also believed to be attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United.

However, according to The Mirror, the Gunners currently have the edge over their Premier League rivals in the race to sign Olise.

The report claims that Olise wants to play Champions League football, which is something that Arsenal can offer after finishing in second place.

 Crystal Palace's Michael Olise scores their first goal on May 11, 2024© Reuters

Arsenal keen to build title-winning squad

Despite appearing to be in pole position, Arsenal may still have to move quickly, with Chelsea believed to be preparing a move.

Olise, who has also been linked with Liverpool, is reportedly valued at around £60m after extending his contract to 2027 last summer.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta can currently call upon Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli as his main wide options.

Olise tends to operate primarily as a right winger, which is a position occupied by Saka at the Emirates Stadium.

However, there could still be a place for Olise, with the Gunners looking to add further strength in depth so they can mount another title challenge after achieving back-to-back second-placed finishes.

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Written by
Ben Sully

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2Chelsea17105237191835
3Arsenal1796234161833
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest179442319431
5Bournemouth178452721628
6Aston Villa178452626028
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12Brentford177283232023
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd176472122-122
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham175572230-820
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16Crystal Palace173771826-816
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