Liverpool are well used to going head-to-head with Chelsea in the transfer market.
The Blues have been the biggest spenders in the Premier League ever since Todd Boehly and co took over the club in 2022.
Although matters have been tricky for them on the pitch, Chelsea seem to have a knack for trumping other clubs in the market. Liverpool have been on the wrong end of this a couple of times.
The Moises Caicedo saga of last summer will live long in the memory, while Chelsea then went and pipped the Reds to Romeo Lavia, too.
While Liverpool may have had the last laugh by winning the Carabao Cup against the Blues and having a much better season, those two transfers may still rankle some at Anfield. Thankfully, they may now have the chance to put things right.
Liverpool could hold Michael Olise advantage
It can be quite hard to avoid Chelsea in the summer window. Now managed by Enzo Maresca, they seem to lock onto any and every player they can.
This time, one of their biggest targets appears to be Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise. Olise is also reportedly on Liverpool’s radar as well and is one of the names to watch over the next few months.
The 22-year-old had a stunning end to the season at Palace and has been suggested as a possible successor to Mohamed Salah.
On Thursday, the race to sign Olise appeared to heat up a little, with Chelsea making the first move to sign the Frenchman.
READ MORE: Five realistic wingers Liverpool could target this summer
The Mirror report that the Blues are ‘desperate’ to get ahead of the competition and have made an initial step towards bringing Olise to Stamford Bridge. Contact has reportedly been made.
It seemingly won’t be straightforward for Chelsea, though. All four of Manchester’s City, United, Liverpool and Arsenal are said to be keen on Olise, too.
And while Chelsea have attempted to steal a march on the competition, they could still have already fallen behind.
It’s claimed that Olise is keen to play in the Champions League next season. With Chelsea playing in the Europa Conference League, Liverpool could reportedly have an ‘edge’ over their rivals.
Liverpool ready to enter Michael Olise race
After a quiet opening to the window, Liverpool need to start stepping things up now.
With a new attacker reportedly being targeted, Olise could well be the man they’ve identified as the one for Arne Slot.
If that is the case, then Liverpool have to get a move on. Chelsea have shown that not being in the Champions League will not stop them from making big signings.
Although playing in Europe’s top competition can be a significant trump card for the Reds, they should not rely on it.
With the Mirror claiming that Olise could cost as much as £70m though, we’re not completely sure Liverpool will see value in him.
If they are convinced, expect to see the Reds make their own move in the coming days.