By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

7th Aug, 2023 | 2:45pm

Revealed: Chelsea now turn attention to signing Olise as top target to sign for rivals

Chelsea are ready to step up their interest in Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed the Blues are preparing a move for the 21-year-old Palace ace after missing out on top target Mohammed Kudus – who is set to complete a move to Brighton.

The Seagulls have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Ajax to sign the Ghana international for a fee of £34.5million – a new club-record outlay.

Football Insider first revealed Chelsea’s concrete interest in Olise late last month (25 July) – with treble-winners Man City also eyeing him as a potential Riyad Mahrez replacement.

It is believed the left-footer has a £35million release clause in his contract at Selhurst Park, which expires in June 2026.

However, sources have also told Football Insider (30 July) that Crystal Palace are planning to hand Olise a £100,000-a-week+ contract extension to persuade him to stay at the club.

It is believed the player is content in south London and values regular first-team football highly at this stage of his development – but could be persuaded to make the move to Stamford Bridge by manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Olise spent time at both Chelsea and Man City as a youth before moving to Reading to make his senior breakthrough.

The France Under-21 international’s value has skyrocketed since joining Crystal Palace from the Royals in 2021 for a reported £8million.

In the 2022-23 campaign, Olise notched two goals and 11 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.

He will not be in action for Crystal Palace in their season-opener against Sheffield United on Saturday (12 August) after missing all of pre-season with a hamstring injury he sustained at the Under-21 European Championships.

In other news, midfield star “very close” to agreeing Chelsea deal.