Michael Olise to Villa could happen in the upcoming summer transfer window, as Football Transfers reports that they are now confident of beating both Arsenal and Manchester United to his signature.
This comes after reports claiming that the Red Devils had leapfrogged the Gunners in the race to sign the Crystal Palace star, who has a release clause of up to £60m. Olise reportedly wants to join a team in the UEFA Champions League, and would prioritise being a regular starter instead of sitting on the bench.
Olise to Villa: A big blow to United and Arsenal
Olise showed United what they would potentially be missing on Monday, as he scored two wonderful goals to help Crystal Palace thrash them 4-0 at Selhurst Park. The fact Olise wants to play for a team that will be in the Champions League next season seemingly rules out a move to Old Trafford, given United's league position.
As for a potential switch to the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal already have Bukayo Saka at right-wing. It is hard to see Olise displacing him in the starting line-up, especially considering he is a Hale End product who boasts 16 goals and nine assists in the Premier League so far in this campaign.
Those strikes put the winger on nine Premier League goals for the season, in a campaign that has been plagued by unfortunate injuries. Mikel Arteta has been outspoken about Saka's heavy workload before, and Olise would provide some much-needed cover for the England international.
That would leave Villa, who could potentially have an open pathway to Olise's signature, should they qualify for the Champions League of course. They currently only need one more win to guarantee qualification, as they prepare to host Liverpool at Villa Park in the Premier League on Monday night.
Nonetheless, Olise's signing has the potential to be another level-raiser for Unai Emery's side, who will have ambitions to kick on further from this remarkable season.
