pulled out of the race to sign Michael Olise from due to the winger’s wage demands.
, only to be stunned by the France youth international’s late U-turn and his decision to sign a new contract.
Chelsea reignited their interest earlier this month having noted Olise’s outstanding form at the tail end of last season.
Rejuvenated under the management of , Olise ended the campaign as arguable the Premier League’s most in-form attacking player.
Chelsea began formal talks with Palace last week and had entered into negotiations with Olise.
Reports claim the 22-year-old, , wanted to become Chelsea’s highest paid player, but the Blues were not prepared to break their strict wage structure to sign one of their primary targets.
According to , Chelsea want to employ a more ‘disciplined’ policy where player salaries are concerned and would rather reward their current first team squad, where appropriate,
Despite missing out on Olise again, new Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca will have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to wingers next season.
With the likes of Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer and Mykhailo Mudryk on the books, missing out on Olise should not represent a seismic blow to Chelsea’s recruitment drive.
South American sensations Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez are due to arrive in 2025 and the Brazilian in particular is likely to be worth the wait.
Speaking earlier this week, former Arsenal star Julio Baptista warned Chelsea’s rivals that the Blues had signed an incredible talent.
Estevao Willian is an incredible talent coming out of Brazil but I don’t like him being compared to a player like Lionel Messi,’ he told .
‘The talent coming out of Brazil is incredible but the expectation can weigh on them a little bit.’
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