PL giants’ strange plan for ‘special’ £48,000-a-week star could actually push him to Man City – opinion
Michael Olise is reportedly a target for both Manchester City and Chelsea – and the Blues’ strange view of the winger might just help Pep Guardiola win the transfer race.
City continue their hunt for a replacement for Riyad Mahrez.
The 32-year-old left the club last month to join Al Ahli.
City have a big hole to fill, and Olise is apparently the top target right now.
But the club will not break the bank for the Crystal Palace star.
The narrative recently has been that Chelsea are slightly ahead in the race.
But they are planning something that might hand City an advantage.
Chelsea see Michael Olise as an attacking midfielder
According to journalist Nathan Gissing, writing for Gianluca Di Marzio, Olise is a concrete option for Chelsea.
But internally, they actually see him as more of a central attacking midfielder, rather than a winger.
This is a strange stance, if true.
Olise has predominantly played as a right winger during his time at Selhurst Park.
Most of his success has been when he comes inside from that right side onto his strong left foot.
Even former Eagles manager Patrick Vieira said of Olise last October: “Knowing he can play inside, I still believe his best position today is as a right-winger.”
Vieira has also branded Olise ‘a special talent’.
Chelsea’s plan for Olise might help City sign winger
This is a very interesting claim, because Olise is most dangerous from the right side.
While he is able to operate centrally, his best position is wide right and has plenty of experience playing there.
According to Transfermarkt, last season 10 out Olise’s 11 Premier League assists came when he was playing right wing.
Obviously, City have lost Mahrez and there is potential for £48,000-a-week star Olise to get minutes at the Etihad in his most natural position.
If he is going to change clubs this summer, surely he would want to be joining a club that is going to play him where he is most comfortable.
Olise is a technician, and he would be a fantastic addition for City.
It would be a big risk for him to go to Chelsea and play as an attacking midfielder.
