Chelsea are reportedly really impressed by the data of their attacking target, but they face a real battle to sign him this summer.
There’s no doubt that data analysis in football has become increasingly more and more important in recent times.
Interestingly, new Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, who officially starts his role in the dugout on 1 July, does look at the data.
Journalist Kieran Gill reported via X earlier in June that Maresca has already asked for Chelsea’s data room to provide performance analysis on every player from youth level to first team at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea really impressed by £60m target
The Mirror claims that Chelsea have already made the first move as they attempt to sign Crystal Palace’s £60m-rated star Michael Olise this summer.
It is understood that the Blues are desperate to beat rival suitors to the signature of the 22-year-old attacker.
The report claims that Chelsea have blinked first in the race for the French winger by making contact with Palace this week, but they are only prepared to listen to bids between £60m-£70m.
Apparently, Olise has really impressed those at Chelsea when it comes to his dataset and his level of performance. He’s a player who scored 10 goals and made six assists in only 19 Premier League matches last season.
However, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal all have the edge to sign the Palace man because they can offer Champions League football next season, which is something the player really wants.
Landing Michael Olise would be huge
From everything Olise has shown in Palace colours during the last few seasons, he looks like he’s got the potential to be a future superstar in the top division.
If Chelsea win the race for the skilful right-winger above Champions League teams, it sends out a real statement of intent about what they can do moving forward.
Speaking via The Independent in 2022, Patrick Vieira described Olise as a “special talent”.
We think the winners of this transfer battle will look back at this as a key moment.