Bayern Munich are set to win the race to sign Michael Olise from Crystal Palace in what represents a hammer blow to Chelsea’s summer transfer plans.
The 22-year-old enhanced his burgeoning reputation towards the end of last season with a series of outstanding displays for a side rejuvenated following the managerial appointment of Oliver Glasner.
A host of Premier League clubs had been hopeful of persuading the France youth international to leave Selhurst Park with Chelsea thought to have been the frontrunners.
Olise, however, has snubbed Chelsea for the second summer in succession and has chosen to join Bayern, now managed by Vincent Kompany.
Having decided to join the recently deposed Bundesliga kings, Bayern are now expected to swiftly agree a deal with Palace, according to The Athletic.
Chelsea, along with Newcastle United and Manchester United, will now be forced to explore alternative options in the market.
The Blues are, however, already well stocked in terms of wide options with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk already on their books.
Ukraine international Mudryk has flattered to deceive during his 18 months at Stamford Bridge, but former England goalkeeper Joe Hart remains confident the 22-year-old can still become a Premier League hit.
Speaking after Ukraine came from behind to earn a vital Euro 2024 win over Slovakia, the former England goalkeeper said: ‘There is a huge talent in him.
‘I’ve played against him when he was high on confidence when he was at Shakhtar and they were a pretty average team being honest.
‘We played well against them but he was such a threat the whole game. He smashed two past me over two legs and I was really excited when he signed in the Premier League I was like ‘watch this guy.’
Hart fears Mudryk has been adversely impacted by the chaos that has engulfed Chelsea since his arrival but he is adamant he boasts the talent required to succeed in England.
He said: ‘Look, he’s still young. Chelsea’s a bit of a difficult club to shine at the moment.
But when they do find their feet and if he’s one of the wingers when they do find their feet who are stars in that team, which they will, I’m excited to see what he can do.’
Asked if Mudryk had joined the wrong club, Hart added: ‘Who knows? It’s not gone well for anyone apart from Cole Palmer. That’s just being brutally honest.
‘They are trying to build a foundation. He’s a young player, he signed a big long contract, from everything I’ve heard about him he’s someone who wants to improve, wants to work hard, always out doing shooting.
‘Look, the talent is in him. It’s just whether they can get it out of him in the Premier League.’
More to follow…
MORE : Joe Hart reveals what he has heard about Chelsea flop
MORE : Arsenal make £47m Euro 2024 Spain star a ‘preferred’ transfer target
MORE : Jamie Carragher urges Gareth Southgate to ‘sacrifice’ two England stars next Euro 2024 game
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