Michael Olise’s release clause at Selhurst Park is thought to be worth around £35m, according to a report, in news that may well alert Arsenal ahead of the summer.
THE LOWDOWN: EXCITING YOUNG TALENT
Olise has established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the Premier League.
He earned a move to Crystal Palace after a brilliant campaign with Reading, scoring seven and providing 12 assists in the Championship last year.
The Eagles secured his signature by triggering an £8m release clause. A piece of business that may have left a number of Premier League rivals wondering why they did not do the same.
And Arsenal are perhaps one of those clubs kicking themselves. Reports claimed earlier this year that the Gunners wanted Olise having failed to sign him before his move to Selhurst Park.
And now it seems that Palace may be unable to stop Olise from leaving for north London in the near future.
THE LATEST: £35M CLAUSE
The Times reports that the 20-year-old is thought to now have a release clause of just £35million in his current contract at the club.
The report goes on to claim that the former Reading man might think he has a point to prove after being released by Chelsea and not making the grade at Manchester City when considering a move away if a bigger club comes calling.
THE VERDICT: BARGAIN
The one-time France international has settled in at Selhurst Park brilliantly, earning many admirers with his direct, skillful dribbling and pinpoint crosses.
After scoring twice and creating five more so far this season in the Premier League, as well as grabbing two more goals in the FA Cup and creating a further three, Olise has rapidly become one of the division’s most exciting young products.
The 20-year-old, described as a “Rolls-Royce” by former Arsenal player and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson, has averaged an impressive 8.0 match rating over his last five home games – becoming a fan favourite in south London in the process.
Among wingers and attacking midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues and continental competitions, the youngster ranks in the top 2% for assists per 90 with 0.43. and also ranks in the top 2% for shots on target percentage per 90 (52.9%), top 6% for crosses per 90 (3.68) and top 9% for carries into the final third (2.91) highlighting his incredible attributes in the final third.
Now rated at £19.8m by Transfermarkt, the Reading academy graduate is continuing to go from strength to strength under Patrick Vieira’s management.
While a £35m clause is a significant outlay in comparison to the price Palace bought him for, it still represents an absolute bargain for Arsenal to pursue, with the Frenchman potentially forming a pivotal part of the Gunners’ attack for years to come.
AND in other news, Arsenal dealt potential transfer blow for £58.5m-rated ace, ‘secret meetings’ held…