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Aston Villa 'confident of winning race for Manchester United, Arsenal target'

By Ben Sully | 09 May 2024

Aston Villa 'confident of winning race for Man United, Arsenal target'

Aston Villa are reportedly confident that they can fend off interest from Manchester United and Arsenal to sign Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.

Aston Villa are reportedly confident that they can beat Manchester United and Arsenal in the race to sign Crystal Palace attacker Michael Olise.

The Frenchman appeared to be on the verge of leaving Selhurst Park last summer when Chelsea triggered a release clause in his contract.

However, Olise decided to turn down a move to Stamford Bridge in favour of signing a new Palace contract until the summer of 2027.

Despite being hampered by injury this season, Olise has still managed to showcase his talent with nine goals and four assists in 17 Premier League appearances.

The 22-year-old netted two of those goals in Monday's dominant 4-0 home victory over one of his potential suitors, Man United.

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

Villa confident of winning Olise race

A recent report claimed that Olise is open to a summer move to Man United, while there has also been reported interest from Arsenal.

However, according to Football Transfers, Villa are confident that they can win the race to secure Olise's signature ahead of the 2024-25 season.

The report claims that sporting director Monchi believes that he can convince the winger to join the Villans over Man United and Arsenal.

Although Olise has three years left to run on his contract, his deal is understood to contain a £60m release clause.

Crystal Palace's Michael Olise on December 30, 2024 © Reuters

Why are Villa confident of signing Olise?

On paper, Arsenal may appear to be the most attractive destination, with the Gunners currently fighting Manchester City for the Premier League title.

The Gunners will be able to offer Olise the chance to play in the Champions League, but they may be unable to guarantee him a regular starting place amid competition from Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.

As for Man United, they will not be able to offer Champions League football, and there is a risk that they could miss out on European football altogether.

In contrast to the Red Devils, Villa are well-placed to secure a top-four finish, having established a seven-point cushion over fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

Olise would bolster Unai Emery's current wide options, which include Moussa Diaby, Leon Bailey and January addition Morgan Rogers.