Chelsea transfer target Michael Olise has a “slightly unusual” release clause, according to The Guardian reporter Ed Aarons.
The journalist not only claims the Crystal Palace winger’s buyout fee is “slightly” higher than the £35m that has been reported, but he also says there are terms in the clause that give Olise control over a potential transfer:
So the Michael Olise release clause … understand that it is actually slightly more than £35m that has been widely quoted and is also complicated by some slightly unusual terms set by player. They include Olise being able to turn down a move even if the clause is triggered
— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) August 8, 2023
Aarons also goes on to say that Olise is not pressing for a move away from Selhurst Park, despite interest from both Chelsea and Manchester City:
Olise understood to be recovering well from hamstring injury and is happy to stay at Palace this season if interest from Chelsea and Manchester City doesn’t result in an official bid
— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) August 8, 2023
Nkunku’s injury could press Chelsea into triggering the release clause
Following the news that Christopher Nkunku could be out for up to four months with a knee injury, it will focus the minds of the club’s recruitment department to strengthen numbers in midfield.
While Olise has generally been deployed as a right winger by Palace, he can also play in more central positions so he could provide cover for Nkunku while his fellow Frenchman is on the treatment table.
Olise has his own fitness problems
As Aarons mentions, Olise is still on the sidelines with a torn hamstring and, while his recovery is said to be going well, the 21-year-old will miss the start of the Premier League season.
With that being the case, Chelsea will have to decide whether to make a move for him regardless or look at potential alternatives. The likes of Lyon’s Rayan Cherki and Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga have also been mentioned as other options that the Blues could explore.
