Crystal Palace attacker Michael Olise has reportedly reached a verbal agreement over personal terms with another Premier League club ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old was a standout performer for the Eagles in 2023-24 and despite missing several games due to injury, he still managed to score 10 goals and provide six assists in 19 Premier League games.
Olise enjoyed a strong end to the season following the arrival of new manager Oliver Glasner and was part of the Palace side that won six of their final seven games to secure a 10th-placed finish in the Premier League.
Glasner stated last month that he is confident that both Olise and fellow in-demand attacker Eberechi Eze will remain at the club this summer.
However, that has not stopped the rumour mill from linking the duo with big-money exits, with Olise understood to have caught the eye of several English top-flight clubs.
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Olise in demand amid Premier League interest
Twelve months ago, Chelsea expressed an interest in signing Olise, but the winger opted to stay at Palace and extended his contract until June 2027.
Recent reports claim that the West Londoners are ready to reignite their interest this summer and rival Manchester United for his signature.
A potential move to Arsenal has also been mooted for Olise, with one report stating that the Gunners are at the front of the queue to sign the £60m-rated France Under-21 international.
Champions Manchester City, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are three more teams who are believed to be monitoring Olise, with the former two, like Arsenal, able to offer the winger Champions League football.
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Chelsea agree personal terms with Olise
However, according to GIVEMESPORT, Chelsea have verbally agreed personal terms with Olise and are now holding talks with Crystal Palace regarding the scheduling of payments for his £60m release clause.
The report adds that a deal is not yet close and other interested suitors in Olise could still rival Chelsea for his signature, but as things stand, the Blues now appears to be leading the race for the winger.
Chelsea are set for another busy transfer window this summer under new boss Enzo Maresca and they have already completed one signing in the form of Tosin Adarabioyo, who will join on a free transfer when his contract at Fulham expires on June 30.
The Blues may be required to sell some of their first-team stars, though, in order to balance their books and avoid the risk of breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Chelsea's pursuit of Olise comes at a time when Christopher Nkunku is attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League according to GIVEMESPORT, but the Blues will only consider a sale if they receive a 'huge offer' for the Frenchman, who cost around £52m last summer.