Exclusive: £35m Arsenal transfer raid for Michael Olise would be ‘terrible move’ for Crystal Palace star
Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise linked with Arsenal
Arsenal would be spending unnecessary money for a player that would struggle to get into their team were they to follow through on reported interest for Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, according to Charles Watts.
The France Under-21 star has really found his feet at Selhurst Park, becoming a major star for the Eagles as they finished 11th in the Premier League last season. And having contributed two goals and 11 assists from 37 Premier League appearances, the 21-year-old is expected to get even better for the south-west London side.
However, Olise’s fine form has attracted admiring glances from elsewhere, with Manchester City and Chelsea among those reportedly keen.
Arsenal have also found themselves linked with the Palace star too, having followed his career since his days in the Championship with Reading.
Roy Hodgson’s side are, understandably, not wanting to lose their prized asset, especially so soon after the exit of iconic star Wilfried Zaha.
And with Olise likely to play an increasingly-important role going forwards, Palace are increasingly anxious over the £35m exit clause in his contract.
Despite the fee, that appears to not have dissuaded both City and Chelsea. Pep Guardiola’s side, in particular, have a vacancy in their squad open up following the sale of Riyad Mahrez to Saudi Pro-League side Al-Ahli.
Olise told he wouldn’t play regular football at Arsenal
However, Watts is adamant that Arsenal are unlikely to challenge for his signature this summer.
Moreover, he does not see where the £35m man would get into Mikel Arteta’s XI.
Discussing apparent links to Olise, Watts says: “They were definitely looking at him when he was at Reading but obviously they didn’t make the move to actually sign him.
“I’m sure they probably have looked at him because if they are going to sign someone, that’ll be the area. In that regard, would he really come to Arsenal to compete with [Bukayo] Saka? I think Arsenal is a terrible move for him personally, I just look at it and think where would he play?
“He needs to be playing week in week out. I’m not sure if he can play on the left. He’s not going to play ahead of [Gabriel] Martinelli. He’s definitely not going to play ahead of Saka on the right. He could maybe play as a 10 but then you’ve got [Martin] Odegaard there, he (Olise) is not going to play.”
Arsenal’s next move in the market looks set to come in the goalkeeping department with a swoop for David Raya heating up. His arrival will surely pile enormous pressure on Gunners No 1 Aaron Ramsdale.
