Romano confirms Chelsea interest in £75m duo amid bid reports and ‘Arsenal calls’ | OneFootball

Michael Olise during a Premier League match.

Chelsea are interested in signing Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus and Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues have signed Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Angelo and Diego Moreira this summer with 12 players leaving the club after huge spending over the previous two transfer windows.

Chelsea are looking to scoop up some of the world’s brightest young talent with Ajax midfielder Kudus – who is reportedly valued at £40m – and Crystal Palace midfielder Olise the next two players on their list.

It is believed that Mauricio Pochettino’s main focus is still to get a deal for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo over the line but Romano has confirmed their interest in both Arsenal target Kudus and Premier League star Olise.

Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column: “Chelsea are well informed on the Mohammed Kudus situation, but Brighton are there as well. Arsenal made some calls two weeks ago to ask about the Kudus situation, but they haven’t made any bid. It’s the same with Chelsea – no bid at all at the moment.

“Chelsea’s focus for now remains the same – they want to get the Moises Caicedo deal done. Then, after that, we can understand more on other deals like Kudus. For now there is an interest and Chelsea have been calling people close to him to understand his situation, but there’s nothing agreed, no bid, and other clubs are in the race too.

“Another potential Chelsea deal to watch is with Michael Olise at Crystal Palace. He’s considered a big talent and Chelsea are following the situation, while Manchester City are doing the same. With Riyad Mahrez leaving for Al Ahli, Olise is one of the players appreciated by Manchester City in that area of the pitch.

“Olise has a release clause at Crystal Palace, worth around £35m, which makes him a very tempting option, but he also had a recent injury, and so clubs are waiting to understand how long it will be until he’s back on the pitch.

“Still, it’s one to watch as Olise is on the list at both Manchester City and Chelsea, with both clubs well informed on his situation. Chelsea are really interested, City are just informed and he’s one of three names in their list. The player is open to making a top club move, of course.

“Another star player at Crystal Palace that some fans have asked me about is Eberechi Eze, but I think it’s important to respect Palace. They have already lost Wilfried Zaha, while the Olise the situation is ‘dangerous’ as top clubs are coming so it’s key for them to keep Eze. I’m sure Palace don’t want to lose so many stars, and they will surely aim to have a competitive team next season.

“With Zaha, many clubs spoke to his camp: Fenerbahce, Al Ettifaq, Lazio, French clubs too… many called and tried to sign him, and Crystal Palace also tried their best to keep Wilfried. But at the end, Galatasaray got it done in 48 hours with a very good proposal. They’re playing in the Champions League, which is always a major selling point, and they offered Zaha an important three year deal.”

Chelsea Michael Olise