Manchester City have reportedly identified Crystal Palace attacker Michael Olise as a possible replacement for Riyad Mahrez, with Chelsea also interested in the Frenchman.
The 21-year-old has established himself as one of the Eagles' most-important players since making the switch from Championship outfit Reading in the summer of 2021.
Having scored twice in the both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 campaigns, the statistical improvement in Olise's game has arrived in the playmaking department, with the winger providing 11 assists for teammates in 37 league matches last season.
Having represented France Under-21s at this summer's European Championships in Romania and Georgia, the attacker is continuing to increase his international pedigree and will be eyeing a place in Les Bleus' squad for Euro 2024 in Germany.
A move to one of Europe's top sides could help Olise force his way into Didier Deschamps' plans, and according to Football Insider, Manchester City are interested in bringing the Palace starlet to the Etihad Stadium.
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Pep Guardiola has the tough task this season of attempting to emulate a historic 2022-23 term, with his Citizens managing to win the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League to complete a legendary treble.
A host of players who played such a crucial role last term have left the club already, with midfielder Ilkay Gundogan moving to La Liga champions Barcelona at the expiration of his contract.
Algerian winger Mahrez is another man who looks set to be on his way out of the Premier League, after Man City and Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli agreed a £30m deal for the attacker.
The former Leicester City man moved from the King Power Stadium to Manchester in the summer of 2018, and has gone on to win three Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the Champions League during his five-year stint under the tutelage of Guardiola.
It is understood that possible incoming Olise has a release clause of £35m - one which will not deter the likes of Man City from making a serious approach for the French youngster.
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The report adds that Chelsea are also in the race for the Palace winger, with the West Londoners looking to re-sign a player who was part of their youth ranks before his move to Reading's academy in 2017.
Mauricio Pochettino's men have seen a raft of first-team names leave Stamford Bridge this summer, however the club have already signed two attackers in the form of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson.
Both of those forwards have scored during Chelsea's first two fixtures of the Premier League Summer Series, with former Villarreal man Jackson netting the opener against Newcastle United in Atlanta on Wednesday night.
Olise is currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury sustained during international duty over the summer, although the issue is not expected to impact any potential moves to Manchester or London before the transfer window slams shut.
Carter White
