Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Michael Olise from Crystal Palace after activating the £35m release clause in the winger’s contract.
Chelsea are one of a number of clubs to have expressed interest in signing the 21-year-old, with Manchester City also reported to have considered a move for Olise as a potential replacement for Riyad Mahrez.
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According to The Athletic, Chelsea now ‘expect’ to complete the signing of the France u-21 international after triggering the release clause in his deal at Selhurst Park.
Olise impressed last season to provide 11 assists, becoming the first Palace player to reach 10+ assists in a single Premier League season.
His performances earned Olise the club’s Player’s Player of the Season award and his form has attracted interest from Premier League rivals.
Olise spent time in Chelsea’s academy system as a teenager and now looks set for a return to west London.
His arrival would take Chelsea’s spending past £300m this summer after the Blues confirmed a British record £115m deal for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo on Monday.
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