HomeExclusives Fri 21 June 2024 10:51, UK

Chelsea are in the driving seat to complete the signing of Michael Olise from Crystal Palace this summer, and are ready to trigger the player's release clause.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O'Rourke revealed the Blues have once again made contact with Palace to attempt to prise Olise across London after initial interest was rebuffed.

Chelsea are huge admirers of the 22-year-old, who hit 10 goals and claimed six assists in the Premier League last season.

The club are reportedly willing to meet Olise's release clause of PS60m plus add-ons, though Football Insider reported on 18 June that this clause is only available to Champions League clubs, with Conference League qualifiers Chelsea prepared to pay over the odds to get their man.

Chelsea frontrunners for Michael Olise Chelsea have been in regular contact with Crystal Palace about a deal for Olise, including new talks this week, though the France youth international is far from short of suitors.

Alan Hutton told Football Insider on 6 June that whilst Palace may expect to lose both Olise and Eberechi Eze in the near future, the duo can command "astronomical fees".

Manchester United, Newcastle United and Bayern Munich have already shown an interest in Olise this summer with the latter able to offer Champions League football, with Liverpool and Manchester City also anticipated to circle the player.

Palace - rejuvenated under Oliver Glasner towards the latter stages of last season - still hold out hope that they can keep hold of their talisman, and continue dialogue with Olise over staying at the club amid their upward trajectory.

In other news, Chelsea are close to agreeing a lucrative new partnership deal.