Chelsea and Manchester United-linked Premier League star ready to join European giants: Reports
Bayern Munich have reportedly reached an agreement with Crystal Palace attacker Michael Olise, a Manchester United and Chelsea target. The 21-year-old is contracted with Palace till 2027.
Olise had an injury-plagued 2023-24 season, playing only 19 games - all in the Premier League - contributing 10 goals and six assists for a Palace side that finished tenth.
Despite having a deal with Palace for three more years, the 21-year-old has been the subject of multiple clubs - mostly from the Premier League. However, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano (via David Ornstein) has reported that Bayern have stolen a march on Olise's Premier League suitors by striking up an agreement on salary with the player.
The report also says that Bayern are expected to strike up a deal with Palace soon to complete the signing, with Olise having rejected an extension proposal from his current club.
The Chelsea and Manchester United target could be a solid addition to either club, considering the travails of their attacking crops during the previous season, with both sides finishing outside the top-four.
A look at Chelsea and Manchester United's 2023-24 seasons
Manchester United and Chelsea have had similar seasons. While United finished eighth - their worst finish in the Premier League era - the Blues ended two places ahead.
The Red Devils fared poorly in Europe, crashing out of the UEFA Champions League in the group stage after finishing a dismal fourth. Their EFL Cup title defence also ended early, but they fared better in the EFL Cup.
United upset holders Manchester City 2-1 to qualify for next season's UEFA Europa League, with the Blues dropping down to the UEFA Europa Conference League instead.
Mauricio Pochettino's side fared well in both domestic cups, reaching at least the semifinals. While they lost to Liverpool 1-0 in extra time in the EFL Cup final, they went down by the same scoreline in regulation time to holders City in the FA Cup semifinal.
The Blues ended the season with a flourish - with five straight wins to finish sixth - but it wasn't enough for Pochettino to last beyond his first season at the club.