Chelsea ready to rival Manchester United for Crystal Palace forward Michael Olise – Paper Round

Chelsea “have made Michael Olise one of their top summer transfer targets” and will battle Manchester United for the Crystal Palace star, it has been claimed.

Olise was a standout player for Palace last season, scoring 10 goals and contributing with six assists.

Erik ten Hag’s side have long been linked with a move and the Mail claims Chelsea are ready to “renew their interest” in the forward.

“Chelsea have continued to monitor his progress closely and are now thought to be prepared to renew their interest in the 22-year-old,” the report states.

“The former Chelsea academy star is understood to be happy at Selhurst and excited about their potential under new boss Oliver Glasner.

“But he also holds the highest ambitions for his career and is open to possibilities.

“Olise would prefer Champions League football in any switch, but he could also be tempted by the right proposal from a side looking to make strong moves forward.

“And the Blues will look to use the increased expectation around Maresca’s arrival in sales pitches to potential new recruits like Olise.

“Chelsea have confidence they can prove that they fall directly into that category, with Blues chiefs targeting a top-four finish under new head coach Enzo Maresca next season.”

Graham Potter could make a return to the dugout at Brighton, according to The Guardian.

Potter, who left the Amex Stadium for Chelsea in September 2022, is said to be a “surprise contender” to replace Roberto De Zerbi and has already held talks with his former club.

“Bloom and Brighton’s technical director, David Weir, are leading the recruitment process and are understood to have sounded out Potter’s interest despite his acrimonious departure after leading Brighton to ninth place in 2022,” reads the article.

“The 49-year-old, who has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea after 31 games, is also believed to be on United’s shortlist should they sack Erik ten Hag having turned down an opportunity to take over at Ajax.

“Bloom and Weir will take their time to assess other candidates, who are believed to include the former Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper and Malmo’s Henrik Rydstrom.”

Arsenal have made a move for Girona star Viktor Tsygankov but face competition from Tottenham and AC Milan.

That is according to a report in The Sun, which suggests the Gunners could trigger the winger’s £25.5 million release clause.

Tsygankov scored eight goals and claimed seven assists in 30 La Liga games last term.

The outlet notes: “Arsenal have made an approach for Girona star Viktor Tsygankov, reports suggest.

“Having only joined Girona permanently from Dynamo Kyiv in January 2023, Tsygankov has a number of top clubs after him this summer, including AC Milan and Tottenham.

“However, Spanish outlet AS report it is the Gunners who have made the first move in an effort to sign the Ukrainian.

“Tsygankov has a contract with Girona until 2027, but a release clause worth just £25.5million (€30m).

“The report adds that Catalan outfit want to keep him ‘at any cost’, but saw January discussions over a new contract fall flat.”

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