Manchester City could make a move for Arsenal target Michael Olise as they step up their search for a replacement winger.
That’s according to The Athletic who confirm that City will replace Riyad Mahrez who left the side for Saudi Arabia this month.
Any deal for Olise will be tricky, though.
Manchester City are reportedly willing to pay £50m for Olise but the South London club will hold out for more.
Why Pele Is Overrated.
This is partly because they have already lost star winger Wilfried Zaha on a free transfer this summer.
Manchester City’s interest in Arsenal target Olise is further complicated by a hamstring tear he endured away with France’s under-21s.
MORE ARSENAL STORIES
Olise is set to miss the start of the Premier League season and therefore could fall down the pecking order for both clubs.
Arsenal have long been linked with a summer move for Olise but it would seem City’s concrete interest is more advanced.
Manchester City could steal the march on Arsenal for Olise
21-year-old Michael Olise showed excellent progress for Palace last season and there’s no surprise to see such elite interest.
Pep Guardiola has often waxed lyrical about Olise in the Premier League and the winger would seem to suit City’s philosophy.
However, Mikel Arteta is probably thinking the same about Arsenal.
Arsenal still lack genuine competition for Bukayo Saka on the right and Michael Olise could be just the man to push the club on.
As we’re seeing with Arsenal’s pursuit of David Raya, the club are very keen to have a truly competitive squad.
And whilst the ever-improving Reiss Nelson will be looking for games on the wing, he’s not going to displace Saka.
‘Special’ Olise on the other hand would have a much better chance at things.
He could be very disruptive to Arsenal’s settled XI, which seemingly the situation Arteta is craving this summer.
Manchester City might be more advanced in their interest for Olise, but you wouldn’t want to rule Arsenal out just yet.