Chelsea Transfers Analyzed: Olise’s Destination and Eze’s Prospects
Despite currently lacking a manager, Chelsea remains active in the transfer market. The co-sporting directors are determined to push forward with their plans, indicating that the absence of a head coach won’t hinder their progress.
Mauricio Pochettino, who desired more iNFLuence in recruitment during his second summer, left amicably when that wasn’t granted. His successor isn’t likely to have significant input on how Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital funds are allocated.
Regardless, Chelsea continues to prepare for the upcoming summer window. Significant changes are anticipated in the first-team squad, and Football.london provides the latest updates.
Michael Olise Pursuit
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea and Manchester United are the frontrunners to acquire Crystal Palace attacker Michael Olise. Both clubs are targeting the Crystal Palace star, who has a £60 million release clause in his contract.
Olise was a major target for Chelsea last year, initially available for £35 million before signing a new deal. Despite missing over half the season due to injury, the London-born Frenchman’s value has soared.
Olise’s impressive stats—scoring 10 times and assisting six in just 14 league starts—show significant improvement from the previous year. Alongside Ebere Eze, he played a crucial role in Palace’s strong finish under Oliver Glasner.
Olise’s talent is undeniable. While Chelsea may not need another attacker, acquiring Olise would undoubtedly strengthen the squad. Despite the presence of players like Noni Madueke, Omari Hutchinson, Angelo Gabriel, and Diego Moreira, Olise’s quality sets him apart. His £60 million release clause is considered a bargain.
Eberechi Eze Interest
Simon Johnson reports that fellow Palace star Eze is also on Chelsea’s radar. Scouts have frequently attended his matches, following an earlier approach for the England international.
Eze could potentially be signed for around £45 million. With his inclusion in England’s provisional squad for Euro 2024, he faces a busy few months ahead.
Eze and Olise form a remarkable duo, potentially the most impactful in the league. While top-tier pairs like Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland, or Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka might contend, Crystal Palace boasts a standout partnership outside the traditional top six.
Eze, though slightly less essential than Olise, still offers exceptional quality. At Chelsea, he would face more direct comPetition with players like Christopher Nkunku or Carney Chukwuemeka. If Olise were to join, it would necessitate central adjustments, intensifying the comPetition for that role.
Nonetheless, Eze is a stellar player who would fill a Premier League-proven gap in Chelsea’s squad. Any future Chelsea manager would be pleased to have either or both of these talents added to the team.
