Chelsea are reportedly ready to battle Manchester United for the signature of Crystal Palace attacker Michael Olise during this summer's transfer window.
The Blues were heavily linked with Olise last year, and at one stage appeared to be on the verge of signing him, but the playmaker ultimately penned a new contract at Selhurst Park.
There is again widespread speculation surrounding the 22-year-old's future, with Man United believed to be have made him one of their leading targets ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
However, according to the London Evening Standard, Chelsea are also in pursuit, with the Blues still viewing Olise as a major transfer target.
The report claims that the release clause in Olise's current deal is around £60m, although the structure of the buy-out fee could mean that he is allowed to leave for less.
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Chelsea 'to rival Man United for Olise'
Chelsea have already announced the signing of Tosin Adarabioyo, with the defender arriving on a free transfer from Fulham.
The 26-year-old had also been heavily linked with a move to Man United, but he has become the first signing of Enzo Maresca's reign as head coach.
Olise is seemingly the London club's next target, with the former France Under-21s international impressing for Palace last season despite his injury problems.
The attacker ended the 2023-24 campaign with 10 goals and six assists in 19 Premier League appearances, including three goals and two assists in his last three outings of the season.
Olise was on the scoresheet against Chelsea in the league at Stamford Bridge last term, while he also netted a brace against Man United at Selhurst Park towards the end of the campaign.
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Palace face a battle to keep hold of Olise
The attacker has a contract with Palace until June 2027, but the length of the deal will not come into play this summer, as the release clause makes him attainable.
Off the back of such a strong end to the season, the Eagles would surely have been asking for in excess of £70m for Olise this summer, with two of the biggest clubs in Europe battling for his signature.
However, at £60m, he is somewhat of a bargain, and it is difficult to imagine a scenario where he stays at Selhurst Park this summer.
Man United will be able to offer Europa League football courtesy of their FA Cup success, with Chelsea now being bumped down to the Europa Conference League.
The chance to stay in London could appeal to Olise, though, and it will be fascinating to see how the transfer saga plays out in the coming weeks.
Matt Law
