One Premier League club are unlikely to let one of their key players join Chelsea without a fight.
Chelsea have been linked with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez as they weigh up bringing in a new left-back.
The Blues are interested in signing Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise as well, with it being reported that the winger is their top target. Some of their rivals are also thought to be keen on Olise.
However, it does not look like Palace are going to make it easy for those interested in the 22-year-old.
Olise was in terrific form for the Eagles last season. While the wide man was only able to make 19 Premier League appearances because of injury, he was still able to come up with 16 goal contributions.
Premier League club want to keep hold of Chelsea target
The likes of Kerkez, who made 33 appearances for Bournemouth during the 2023/24 campaign, and Olise are obviously important players for their respective sides.
They are not the kind of players their managers will want to see depart in the transfer window.
In fact, according to LondonWorld, Palace are determined to keep hold of Olise for another season and will try to offer him a new contract.
If Olise does not sign one, then an exit seems very unlikely.
As per The Athletic, the France U21 international has a £60m release clause in his contract, which Chelsea are prepared to meet.
Will Michael Olise sign a new contract over joining Chelsea?
Palace have been the perfect club for Olise.
He joined them from Reading in 2021 and has developed nicely there.
While the Eagles have been guilty of flirting with relegation at times, there is not usually too much pressure at Selhurst Park, or at least compared to Stamford Bridge, for example. It is why it has been a good environment for Olise.
However, the attacker may feel it is time for a step up, one he looks ready for after his performances last season. With that in mind, a move to Enzo Maresca‘s Chelsea seems more likely than Olise signing a new contract at Palace.