Chelsea are making progress in their attempts to sign Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs said that the Blues have been discussing personal terms with the 21-year-old’s representatives and they are “very close” to finding an agreement:

“There is genuine interest. Crystal Palace don’t want to sell, but Olise is very close to agreeing terms with Chelsea.”

“Obviously, players can agree terms have multiple clubs, so the most important thing in all of this is whether a deal can be reached with Crystal Palace, but he is a very concrete option for Chelsea. Therefore, he is one to watch over the coming weeks.”

Chelsea will have to negotiate with Palace

It was originally reported that Olise had a £35m release fee in his contract but, last week, Jacobs dismissed those claims, stating that the buyout clause no longer exists.

Consequently, it means the Blues will need to enter negotiations in order to find an agreement on the Frenchman’s price.

Other Premier League clubs are also interested in signing Olise

Both Manchester City and Arsenal have been credited with an interest in the winger over the past couple of weeks so Chelsea may need to move fast to secure his signature.

If Jacobs’ information is correct, though, it seems as if the London club are already laying the groundwork by negotiating terms with his agent.

While an offer for Olise could be tabled before the transfer window closes, he is not believed to be the number one transfer target at the moment. Fellow journalist Fabrizio Romano says the Blues are expected to ramp up negotiations to sign Elye Wahi from Montpellier.

An opening bid has already been rejected for the striker but a fresh approach is expected to be imminent, with talks set to take place in the coming days.