Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise picked up an injury while on international duty for France U21s in late June.
Olise collided with Norway’s goalkeeper while the two teams faced each other in the U21 Euros and tore his left hamstring. After his medical analysis, he was initially said to be out for at least 3 months.
An official return date has not been announced by Palace or the player but he was diagnosed with a grade 3 hamstring tear, which historically requires a long time on the sidelines for recovery.
Palace were expecting to see Olise return to first-team training in late August but fellow Premier League club Chelsea have expressed an interest in the winger and are reportedly ready to offer more than his £35 million release-clause to Palace.
They are reportedly looking to offer £39 million to the Eagles as they wish to pay the fee in instalments rather than all at once, which they would have to do if they trigger the release clause.
There were several reports in the UK that the Frenchman has already agreed a deal in principle with the Blues and the Blues are set to send their final offer in. But journalist Fabrizio Romano has now said that Chelsea are waiting on an update on the player’s injury before sending their offer to finalise the deal.
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Chelsea are rumoured to have some concerns with regards to Olise’s fitness and are enquiring for further details. He will miss pre-season training and many games at the start of the season and that can also potentially be a reason for concern.
Olise registered 2 goals and 11 assists in 40 games for the Eagles last season and has fast become one of their most important players. He has 71 appearances for them since joining from Reading in 2021.
The 21-year-old’s numbers are decent when put in context as he plays for a fairly defensive-minded lower-half-of-the-table team in the Premier League. He has also showcased his dribbling skills and ability at set-pieces.
Manchester City were also said to be interested in the winger but Chelsea are the club looking most likely to land the youngster’s signature, if they receive a positive update on his fitness situation.
Olise has shown glimpses of his talent and has gained experience in the Premier League and could now be on his way to one of the biggest clubs in the country.
