BREAKING: Chelsea to offer Raheem Sterling in swap deal to sign £60m attacker this summer
TBR Football understands that Chelsea is prepared to make trade offers for Crystal Palace prodigy Michael Olise, as they continue to show a serious interest in him.
Michael Olise nearly signed a new long-term contract at Selhurst Park with a release clause last summer, but he ultimately decided against joining Chelsea.
TBR is aware of Olise’s release clause, which is worth over £60 million, and that Crystal Palace has expressed their desire for him to be allowed to leave the club.
But according to TBR sources, Chelsea is ready to try to go around the clause by giving Palace options.
They would be willing to let go of players like Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja, but there are more players involved.
Chelsea ready to offer Sterling in swap deal for Michael Olise
TBR can reveal that one of those is England international Raheem Sterling. Sources confirm that Chelsea’s hierarchy are looking to move Sterling on this summer – but the options are limited as the 29-year-old is not looking to leave.
Chelsea have offered him to the Saudi Pro League – but Sterling is not believed to be keen on a move to the Middle East, indeed it is understood that he has no desire to leave London.
Chelsea realise that to move Sterling on, they would have to massively subsidise his wages but TBR is told that the club’s hierarchy are willing to do so – knowing he has three-years left on a hefty contract which no other Premier League club would be willing to match at this point.
It remains to be seen if Sterling would consider a move to Palace or if Palace would be keen to take him, but Chelsea’s stance on the player is becoming increasingly apparent.
TBR Football also revealed on Tuesday that Chelsea have rekindled talks with Palmeiras over teenage prospects Estevao Willian and Luis Guilherme.
With Mauricio Pochettino’s future at Stamford Bridge yet to be decided, the Blues are doing their due diligence on potential replacements, as TBR confirmed last month.
Former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick’s name has been put forward, while Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim also has admirers at Stamford Bridge.
Sterling and Olise’s stats compared
Sterling has fallen down the pecking order of late, with Noni Madueke showing plenty of promise off the right-hand side in recent weeks.
The Englishman enjoyed a positive start to the season but has managed just four starts in the Premier League since December.
The 29-year-old has bagged eight goals and as many assists in 40 appearances for the Blues this term.
As for Olise, the winger continues to impress for Palace after missing the first three months of the campaign with a hamstring injury.
Since returning, Olise has netted nine times and provided four assists in just 17 league appearances for Oliver Glasner’s side.