Could Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise be a player that could be in Manchester City’s sights this summer? Olise has caught the eye this season for Crystal Palace, and his impressive displays have reportedly caught the eye of a host of clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.
Matt Woosnam has reported for the Athletic that Olise’s strong form has attracted interest from Chelsea and Manchester United. But what stands out in Woosnam’s report is that he believes that Olise could be drawn to a move to Manchester City. The French winger spent time in City’s academy before he moved to Reading in 2017. It remains to be seen if the Crystal Palace winger would fancy a move to Manchester City this summer.
Is Michael Olise a player that Manchester City could target this summer?
Alan Nixon previously reported for the Sun in early February that Manchester City appeared set to battle it out with Manchester United for Olise’s signature. The French winger is likely to be in high demand this summer, given his exceptional form for Crystal Palace this season. In 18 appearances this season, Olise has scored 10 goals and contributed 5 assists.
His immense talent has been evident when he has been on the pitch. The only hindrance on Olise’s outstanding season has been injuries. He has missed a multitude of games this season due to hamstring issues. But when fully fit, there is no doubt over the young winger’s immense talent and potential.
If Manchester City is in the market for another winger, then Michael Olise appears a bonafide option for the world champions. With his immense technical ability and eye for goal, he would immediately bring something different to Pep Guardiola’s squad. There are similarities in Olise’s game to that of former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez. Playing on the right-hand side and cutting inside is a particular strength of the Crystal Palace winger. This was a feature of the play of Mahrez during his trophy laden spell at City. The champions haven’t to date signed a replacement for Mahrez.
Manchester City does appear in need of a bonafide option on the right-wing.
Manchester City’s current options on the wing are different types of players to Michael Olise. Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku play primarily on City’s left wing. Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva primarily feature on the right for the champions. As it stands, Manchester City don’t currently possess an out and out right winger in their squad. Oscar Bobb can play in the role, but he is only at the beginning of his young career. Fabrizio Romano has reported that Girona winger Savio is set to sign for Manchester City this summer. If the world champions do decide they need another player on top of the Brazilian sensation for the right-wing, then Michael Olise appears the ideal player to add to City’s squad.
This summer promises to be a busy one for Manchester City. On closer inspection, Michael Olise does fill a need in City’s squad. If they do move for the Crystal Palace winger, they could potentially add a quality option for the right-wing position. City’s interest in the French winger may become a bigger story once the summer transfer window opens and City’s transfer plans become more apparent.