Newcastle United are in the hunt for a top level winger this summer, but their plans could be scuppered by Chelsea.
The Blues have already beaten Newcastle United to Tosin Adarabioyo’s signature, and now they are aiming to win another transfer tussle.
Eddie Howe is eager to add a new right winger to his squad for next season, as he aims to sign a player who can take Newcastle to the next level.
They have identified multiple targets who could do just that, such as Jarrod Bowen and Nico Williams.
But it is Michael Olise who they appear to be chasing at the moment, with Newcastle initiating contact with Crystal Palace about signing the £60million superstar.
He would be a dream signing for Eddie Howe, but the Magpies are not currently at the front of the queue to snap up the 22-year-old.
Newcastle are not the favourites to sign Michael Olise
That honour goes to Chelsea, with HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey telling Geordie Boot Boys that Enzo Maresca’s side are currently the favourites to sign Michael Olise from Crystal Palace.
“Newcastle have always liked Michael Olise, but I do not see how they get him,” he said.
“I think Newcastle would need to be in Europe to persuade him given the other clubs that are interested.
“He almost joined Chelsea last year, and his brother is currently there. Anyone that beats Chelsea to Olise will be doing really well. They are very much the favourites right now.”
Tough for Newcastle to convince Olise
While it is great to see Newcastle targeting top level players like Olise, it has always been tough to envision how the Magpies will tempt him to Tyneside.
The PIF project at St James’ Park is very appealing, but every club that wants to sign Olise has their own project to sell. And for Chelsea, it is a project that he nearly bought into last summer.
And with no European football to offer either, it is going to be extremely impressive if Newcastle United manage to complete a deal for Olise.
Crystal Palace make move to keep Olise
Chelsea are the favourites, but it would appear that Palace are actually doing their best to try and keep him.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who has provided an update on Olise’s future on X (formerly known as Twitter).
He wrote: “Crystal Palace have offered new deal to Michael Olise, higher salary and new release clause for 2025. Understand despite this, Chelsea still confident as they push to agree on personal terms; it’s up to the player. Bayern and Newcastle also allowed to talk to Olise.”
Even though Palace are trying to get Olise to sign a new deal, Romano believes that Chelsea are still confident about signing the 22-year-old.
A move away from Selhurst Park feels inevitable at this stage, but it would be a shock if it was a move to St James’ Park.
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