Chelsea ready to step up interest in French winger

Chelsea are prepared to step up their interest in signing Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise in the coming days.

The Blues were very interested in signing the Frenchman last summer and they were ready to trigger his £35m release clause.

However, the Eagles managed to convince Olise to pen a new contract which also increased his buy-out clause to £60m.

Olise had an injury-affected 2023/24 campaign, but he was still impressive with 16 goal contributions from 19 games.

The Blues are now weighing up a renewed approach for the 22-year-old and are optimistic of signing him this time around.

They have already made contact with his representatives and are aiming to beat the competition from Manchester United.

Instead of triggering the clause, the Blues plan to pay a higher fee over an extended period. Palace are likely to accept the proposal.

Arsenal are also admirers of the right winger, but they are unlikely to hand him with a starting role due to Bukayo Saka's presence.