Chelsea transfer target Michael Olise has signed a new four-year contract with Crystal Palace – effectively ending the Blues’ pursuit of the player [via Sky Sports Football].

On Olise’s new contract, Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson said: “It’s the best possible news we could have. The decision has been his.

“We’ve been concerned, as one is concerned when a club of Chelsea’s stature start to take an interest in a player and suggest that a move to them might be the best bet.

“I’ve always hoped that wouldn’t be the case and that Michael would realise that, at such a young age, his future here is very bright. We can help him move very quickly to another level.”

Would Michael Olise have been a good signing for Chelsea?

Had Olise signed for Chelsea, he would have almost certainly been a roaring success at Stamford Bridge. A fast, explosive winger with excellent dribbling ability, he is as effective as he is entertaining.

But there’s far more to him than this. He is also an excellent set-piece taker – a good example of his dead ball ability came during last season, when he netted a spectacular last-minute free kick against Manchester United.

As such, Chelsea fans will be disappointed that the club were unable to secure a deal for the Frenchman – sadly, it seemed like it was out of the club’s hands in the end.

Who could the Blues sign instead of Olise?

With a deal for Olise now off the table, Chelsea may turn their attention elsewhere. Earlier in the year, they had been linked with a move for former Leeds United winger Raphinha – however, this was several months ago, so it is unclear as to whether their interest in the player is still active.

An argument could be made that Chelsea do not need to sign an additional winger. They already have plenty of talented wide men at the club, such as Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke.

Nevertheless, with the loss of Christian Pulisic and the impending exit of Hakim Ziyech, it could benefit Chelsea to snap up another top-quality winger before the summer transfer window slams shut on September 1.