In the wake of Riyad Mahrez’s departure to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli club for £30 million, Manchester City is leaving no stone unturned to bolster their attacking options this summer.

The Citizens are in search of a worthy replacement for the Algerian star, and it seems they have set their sights on Crystal Palace’s young talent, Michael Olise.

The 21-year-old English winger has captured the attention of several top clubs with his impressive performances, making him a highly sought-after player in the transfer market.

This article delves into the possibility of Manchester City hijacking the pursuits of Chelsea and Arsenal to secure the services of the promising Olise.

Michael Olise: A Rising Star on Manchester City’s Radar

According to reliable sources, Manchester City has identified Michael Olise as their primary target to fill the void left by Riyad Mahrez’s departure.

Despite his young age, Olise has already established himself as a key player for Crystal Palace, making 71 appearances for the Eagles since joining Selhurst Park in 2021.

The winger played a crucial role in Palace’s gameplay during the previous season, featuring in 37 matches.

Remarkably, Olise started in the last 18 games of the season and provided 11 assists, a statistic that was only surpassed by football luminaries like Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, and Leandro Trossard.

The Homegrown Advantage

One of the reasons Olise has attracted attention from big clubs is his status as a genuine “homegrown” product.

With footballing regulations becoming stricter and an emphasis on promoting local talent, homegrown players have become highly valuable assets for Premier League teams. Olise’s status as a homegrown talent makes him even more appealing to Manchester City, as it can potentially strengthen their squad in multiple ways.

The Competition: Chelsea and Arsenal

Chelsea and Arsenal have also shown keen interest in securing Michael Olise’s signature.

Recent reports suggested that Chelsea is confident in their chances of signing the talented winger, while Arsenal is also keen on luring him to the Emirates.

However, the entry of Manchester City into the race has significantly altered the dynamics of the transfer saga.

A Hijack in Progress?

As Manchester City aims to reinforce their attack with a talented winger like Olise, they must contend with Crystal Palace’s firm stance on the player’s valuation.

The Eagles are reportedly seeking £50 million for Olise’s services, a price tag that Man City is apparently willing to meet.

It is clear that the Etihad-based club views Olise as a valuable investment and is ready to make a substantial financial commitment to secure his services.

The pursuit of Michael Olise has become a three-way battle, with Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal vying for the highly-rated winger’s signature.

Despite Chelsea’s confidence in their pursuit, Manchester City’s entry into the race has thrown a spanner in the works.

The Etihad club’s readiness to meet Crystal Palace’s £50 million valuation indicates their determination to secure Olise as Riyad Mahrez’s replacement.

Only time will tell how this transfer saga unfolds, but one thing is certain – Michael Olise’s footballing journey is set to take a significant turn this summer.