Michael Olise has been linked with Manchester City recently – but Chelsea now believe they have won the race for the winger.
City have officially lost Riyad Mahrez, who has signed for Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli.
They paid City £30 million for his transfer.
The Saudi club first came in for Mahrez shortly after the end of last season.
Pep Guardiola was thought to not particularly want to lose the Algeria international.
But in the end the 32-year-old was keen to make the move, having lost prominence at City.
He struggled for starts over the last two months of last season, and so he has now embarked on a new challenge.
City need to sign a replacement and it was reported earlier this month that Olise had entered their crosshairs.
But it seems there could be major work to do for City to land him.
Chelsea think they’ve won the race for Manchester City target Michael Olise
90min have reported on the Olise situation – and it’s not great news for City.
They claim that the Blues are now ‘confident’ of signing the Crystal Palace winger.
City’s interest is mentioned. But it is stated that Chelsea have actually won the race for the 21-year-old.
Apparently, Olise is available for just £35m this summer due to a ‘mechanism’ in his contract.
Palace are preparing to lose Olise, and have set their sights on Brazilian youngster Matheus Franca. The Eagles are needing to act, having also lost Wilfried Zaha.
Olise slipping away from City
This is not a very encouraging claim for City fans to sink their teeth into this morning.
Olise is a seriously talented player, and would probably make for a really exciting replacement for Mahrez.
He is a real talent, and Olise has shown it in games against City.
He has the technical quality all players need in order to play for City under Guardiola.
But he also seemingly has a really strong mentality. Patrick Vieira stated last year that Olise is always looking to learn and has a ‘unbelievable’ work ethic.
If he does sign for Chelsea for £35 million, then that is a very positive move by them.
