Sources: Chelsea have had intentions to sign Michael Olise since last summer

It was never Cole Palmer instead

Chelsea have wanted to sign Crystal Palace star Michael Olise since last summer, and at that point they actually agreed personal terms with him.

Something happened at this time though, and it’s impossible to know exactly what it was because I’ve heard different things from different sources. But there was a big u-turn and Palace then announced Olise had signed a contract extension and will stay.

This extension has a release clause in it that can now be triggered this summer, believed to be around £60m. However, sources have described the clause as ‘a bit complicated’, so I am uncertain exactly what that means.

The one thing for sure is that Olise was willing to join Chelsea last summer, and he’s still willing to now. His brother plays for the academy, and he is excited by the project Chelsea are putting together.