Chelsea given clear path to Michael Olise signing as Premier League rivals help Blues

Chelsea are pushing to strike a deal for Crystal Palace ace Michael Olise.

Michael Olise

Michael Olise is attracting plenty of interest (Image: Getty)

Newcastle are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea forward Noni Madueke this summer if they are unable to secure the signature of Michael Olise.

The Magpies are keen to offload Miguel Almiron over the coming months, having failed to convince him of the opportunities in the Saudi Pro League previously, and a shortlist of replacements have been drawn up on Tyneside.

Despite toeing the line of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, Eddie Howe’s side are hoping to welcome several marquee signings this summer – with Olise among their targets.

Competition is fierce for the Crystal Palace star though, with Chelsea desperate to secure his signature and both Manchester clubs monitoring his situation closely. Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern Munich have also been cited as interested clubs.

Newcastle have alternative targets if their push for Olise proves unsuccessful though, with The i reporting that they have set their sights on Chelsea’s Madueke as well.

The winger has struggled to tie down a spot in the Blues’ starting XI since joining the club from PSV in January 2023. Newcastle hope that the prospect of more consistent opportunities could turn his head – despite the player penning a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge last year.

Noni Madueke

Noni Madueke is among Newcastle's considerations this summer (Image: Getty)

Chelsea are firmly in the race to sign Olise and therefore moving Madueke on would pave the way for their pursuit and allow them to convince the Frenchman that there is a starting spot on the right-wing waiting for him if he does make the move across London.

However, the Palace star’s desire to play Champions League football could be a sticking point in negotiations, in the same way that it will be if Newcastle attempt to agree terms on a deal with Olise’s entourage.

Eddie Howe

Eddie Howe is keen to bolster his options on the wing (Image: Getty)

Madueke made 23 appearances for Chelsea in the Premier League last season under Mauricio Pochettino, scoring five goals and assisting two. However, he only started 13 of those matches due to the good form of Cole Palmer out on the right.

With Olise potentially arriving and Christopher Nkunku hoping to be fit and firing next season, the 22-year-old’s minutes could decrease even further and he could slip even further down the pecking order under Enzo Maresca. Chelsea are also keen to raise funds for their own business and therefore a reasonable bid is likely to test their resolve.

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