Paul Merson chastised Michael Olise last summer for rejecting Chelsea‘s advances and pledging his future to Crystal Palace; he might not be able to hold out this time.
In the upcoming months, the playmaker has been strongly linked to a departure from Selhurst Park; among his expanding list of admirers are Bayern Munich, Liverpool, and both Manchester teams.
Even though Olise was turned down by the forward just a year ago, Chelsea has rekindled their interest in him and has made the Frenchman one of their top targets to reinforce their ranks before the next season.
The Blues were negotiating a deal that would have activated Olise’s £35 million release clause at the time, but the talks came to an abrupt end when it became known that the winger had signed a contract extension with Palace.
The former Arsenal player Merson expressed his disbelief at the announcement to Sky Sports, saying, “I was shocked.” He may have been at Chelsea previously, which could have been the cause.
“However, in my opinion, the main goal is to climb the ladder, thus you have to gain money while the sun is shining. Form can change drastically after a few poor performances here and there.
We’re talking about Zaha, who was up for transfer eight, nine, or ten months ago. Who was going to sign him? Could he return to Manchester United? Will Arsenal have him? If they don’t, Tottenham might sign him?
“You’re very astonished when all of a sudden, no offense intended, he’s playing in the Turkish league at Galatasaray. I’m hoping the child got it correct.”
Olise’s choice to stay with Palace for another season paid off, as he went on to make 19 Premier League appearances, scoring 10 goals and dishing out six assists. After Oliver Glasner’s hiring, the 22-year-old also found great success in the later parts of the season, and his impressive performances put him in the spotlight.
Even with the tremendous amount of interest, a summertime move away from Palace is not guaranteed. Olise has a big say in the decision-making process thanks to his new release clause, which is reportedly “complicated” but may be worth up to £60 million. If he isn’t completely sold on the projects overseas, he won’t be forced to leave the club.