Chelsea transfer news: Brighton’s move to break their transfer record for Mohammed Kudus could prompt Mauricio Pochettino to pursue his interest in Michael Olise
Brighton could hold a key advantage in the transfer race for Mohammed Kudus if Chelsea sign Moises Caicedo (Image: ANP via Getty Images)×
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Chelsea have been given the perfect incentive to push ahead with their interest in Crystal Palace starlet Michael Olise.
The Blues and Manchester City remain locked in a battle to sign the France Under-21s international having been impressed with his performances in the 2022/23 season. Todd Boehly has, so far, seemed to direct his focus on replenishing Mauricio Pochettino’s options in attack this summer with the signings of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson.
Recent reports from France have suggested that Olise has a slight preference to move to Stamford Bridge, though no agreement has been made with Palace. The playmaker has a £35million release clause present in his contract at Selhurst Park, with a verbal £25.9million the latest offer from Chelsea.
Olise has been one of many attacking playmakers linked with a move to west London. Ajax star Mohammed Kudus had been another on Pochettino’s radar, with the club making contact with the Dutch side last month.
However, Chelsea may be forced to pursue their interest in Olise this summer following reports that Brighton & Hove Albion have reached an agreement in principle with Ajax for Kudus.
The Seagulls have become renowned for their exquisite business in the transfer market in recent years, but with their first-ever season in Europe approaching, Roberto De Zerbi’s side have been forced to spend big this summer.
Having already smashed their club-record transfer fee to bring Joao Pedro to the Amex Stadium from Watford, they are now set to surpass the £30million mark with a fee worth £34.5million for Kudus.
The deal isn’t close to completion, yet. However, with Chelsea likely to miss out on the 23-year-old, Boehly now has more of a reason than ever to sign Olise.
Palace boss Roy Hodgson recently opened up on Olise’s future in a press conference. He said: “Clubs are circling around him and we are going to have a fight on our hands to make sure he stays with us.”
Soucre: football.london
