Why Chelsea FINALLY Turned A Corner.
Darren Ambrose has revealed that there is no release clause in Michael Olise’s contract at Crystal Palace.
It comes after Fabrizio Romano – usually the most reliable source around when it comes to transfer news – claimed that Manchester City and Chelsea have been alerted to the Crystal Palace No.7’s £35m release clause.
So, what is the situation involving Michael Olise at Crystal Palace? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, Sunday was a brutal one for Crystal Palace fans.
Just hours after Galatasaray revealed they had signed Wilfried Zaha – when many expected him to renew his contract at Selhurst Park – talk of Olise leaving SE25 as well began to intensify.
A story from RMC Sport in France added that the 21-year-old is very keen on the idea of joining Chelsea.
While most Crystal Palace fans are resigned to the fact a player of Olise’s quality is unlikely to spend much time at Selhurst Park, alarm bells were ringing at the extremely low £35m sum involved in the rumours.
Romano – as aforesaid – is one of the most reliable journalists around, although Ambrose has now gone against the Italian by stating that a £35m release clause does not exist, according to his source at Crystal Palace.
The 39-year-old told talkSPORT: “I’ve reached out to my person at the football club, I’m not going to release his name but I’ve reached out to him and he said no. It’s false. There is no release clause in Olise’s contract.”
While this may offer a crumb of comfort to some Crystal Palace fans, some official clarity has to be given on the situation.
Crystal Palace should demand at least £80m for Michael Olise
In our view, it would be wise for Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman to use other deals as reference points when assessing a player’s valuation this summer.
That already seems to be the case in SE25 as The Athletic believe Parish wants at least £50m for Cheick Doucoure, due to Southampton’s valuation of Romeo Lavia.
Now, we feel those at Selhurst Park should refer Manchester City and Chelsea to the £86m Manchester United spent on Antony last summer if an approach for Olise is made.
The Brazilian is a similar player to the France Under-21 international, as he operates on the right flank, cutting inside on his stronger left foot.
Olise scored two goals and impressively provided 11 assists in 37 Premier League games last season, whereas Antony scored four goals and set up another two in 25 Premier League appearances.
Therefore – if the £35m release clause does not exist – we should be demanding at least £80m for our No.7 this summer.
