Chelsea's £60m target set to 'undergo medical' at transfer rivals

Crystal Palace star and Chelsea summer transfer target Michael Olise is set to undergo a medical at Bayern Munich this week.The 22-year-old winger has been a long-term target of Chelsea’s with the Blues first bidding for his services last summer.

It had been thought the Stamford Bridge club could finally secure their man earlier this month, but unfortunately for west London club, Sky Sports have revealed Olise will now be undergoing a medical that should see him link up with England captain Harry Kane.

Bayern finished a disappointing third in the Bundesliga last campaign with manager Thomas Tuchel being told his services in 2024/25 would not be required. Former Burnley boss Vincent Kompany was then announced as the new Allianz Arena head coach, tasked with revitalising the squad and returning them to the top of the league.

Olise had been one of Palace’s standout 2023/24 stars, scoring ten goals - the best haul of his career - and contributing six further assists as Oliver Glasner brought the club up to tenth place in the league. The winger created a formidable attacking partnership with England’s Eberechi Eze, whose own 15 Premier League goal contributions has all the ‘top clubs in Europe’ calling.

While the Eagles had been reportedly willing to offer Olise a new deal to keep him at Selhurst Park, the offer of immediate Champions League football was too great. Newcastle and, to a lesser extent, Manchester United had both also been interested in the former Reading man but if all goes well in the medical room, the French U21 international will be announced as Vincent Kompany’s latest signing.

Olise signed a new contract last summer which should see him remain in Croydon until three more years. The new deal saw him on a reported £100,000-a-week with his release clause rising from £35m to £60m.

Olise has been at Selhurst Park since 2021. The Eagles activated the attacking midfielder’s £8.37m release clause to take him away from Reading and while his departure from the club will be a huge blow to Glasner’s 2024/25 plans, the huge financial gain will be most welcome as the transfer window heats up.

With Chelsea’s Olise dream dashed once again, Enzo Maresca’s side have turned their attention to Athletic Bilbao and Spain international Nico Williams, currently excelling in the ongoing European Championships.