Man City to rival Chelsea in race to sign Premier League star

Manchester City begin the defence of their Premier League title when they travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley on Friday. 

The Clarets – who themselves won the Championship last term – will likely provide a difficult test for Pep Guardiola’s side, who are looking to win a fourth consecutive top flight title.

Last season the Citizens lifted the FA Cup and Champions League as well as the league title, and they have since been boosted by the arrivals of Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol.

With the end of the current transfer window fast approaching, it appears that City remain active and could still complete another signing.

As per Football Insider, City are ready to rival Chelsea for the signing of Crystal Palace star Michael Olise in the closing weeks of the window.

The Frenchman has attracted interest from a number of clubs courtesy of a string of impressive performances, and the Blues have been linked with a move for the player for several weeks now.

Despite this, the report claims that the reigning Premier League champions could make a move for Olise, 21, before the window shuts.

It is also claimed that Palace could be ‘powerless’ to resist the attacker leaving amid interest from two of England’s biggest clubs.

Olise joined the Eagles from Championship side Reading back in 2021 and has since made 71 appearances for his current club, scoring six goals and registering 19 assists.

Last term the France under-21 international made 40 appearances across all competitions, providing 11 assists.

Palace are set to offer the player a lucrative new contract – which would earn him £100,000-per-week – in an effort to persuade Olise to stay put in London.

City are in the market for attacking reinforcements following the departure of Riyad Mahrez to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli last month.

The Algeria international had been a regular for Guardiola’s side in recent seasons, and Olise could be a suitable replacement for the winger.