Chelsea are reportedly open to exchanging some of their fringe players for Crystal Palace star Michael Olise. It is claimed that the Blues have made contact with their Premier League rivals over signing the winger this summer.
Olise is understood to have a complex release clause written into his Palace contract. The Eagles will be less willing to accept players in exchange, preferring instead to receive around £60million for their prized asset.
But if Chelsea do manage to negotiate players into the deal, here are five who Palace may benefit from signing.
Noni Madueke
The Daily Mail claims that Chelsea are willing to send players in exchange for Olise. And the best possible direct replacement at Stamford Bridge would be Noni Madueke.
Madueke actually spent some of his formative years with the South London club. He was in Palace’s academy before deciding to join Tottenham aged 12.
The 22-year-old is a talented left-footed attacking player who is capable of linking up with fellow forwards. He is of almost the exact same profile as Olise and would be the ideal player for Palace to sign in exchange.
Omari Hutchinson
Another Chelsea star who falls under that category is Omari Hutchinson, although Palace may be less likely to accept a player whose Premier League experience extends to a 22-minute cameo. Hutchinson excelled in the Championship on loan at Ipswich last season, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists for the promotion winners.
Palace signed Olise in 2021 after a tremendous season with Reading in the Championship.
Hutchinson, 20, emerged as a top talent at Arsenal before moving to Chelsea two years ago. He will be looking to build on his spell in the second division.
Ian Maatsen
Tyrick Mitchell is Palace’s only recognised first-team left-back. The twice-capped England international played in all but one of Palace’s 42 matches across all competitions last season.
Some competition for Mitchell is likely to be signed this summer. There might be no better alternatives than Ian Maatsen.
Palace head coach Oliver Glasner uses high and wide wing-backs in his 3-4-3 system. Maatsen would excel in the role.
David Datro Fofana
Jean-Philippe Mateta will be Palace’s starting striker next season, providing Palace fend off competition from his native France. Mateta struck 13 goals in 13 games under Glasner, ending the season with 19 across all competitions.
Palace forward Odsonne Edouard has interest from other clubs, most notably his former side Celtic. A loan for David Datro Fofana at Selhurst Park could be the next step in his development, after a positive personal year at relegated Burnley.
Trevoh Chalobah
Express Sport reported in December that Palace harboured an interest in Trevoh Chalobah. Chelsea decided to keep the versatile defender and he played an important role under Mauricio Pochettino in the second half of the season.
But the Blues may need to offload Chalobah this summer, with profit and sustainability regulations meaning the West Londoners will need to make a profit on some players. The 24-year-old, who grew up in the South London borough of Lambeth, would be an excellent addition to Palace’s back three – especially if Marc Guehi departs.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk