Paris Saint Germain have identified Crystal Palace youngster Michael Olise as their replacement for soon-to-be out of contract Lionel Messi this summer, according to reports.
The French giants, who are on course for yet another Ligue 1 title, are set to lose the Argentine for nothing this summer, after they have seemingly decided against renewing his contract amid pressure from their fanbase.
It means that Barcelona and Saudi side Al-Hilal are going to fight it out for the World Cup winner, while PSG plan for a future without him in their squad. With added reports that Neymar may follow his former teammate out of the exit door, a major reschuffle of the French side’s fontline could be on the cards following yet another disappointing Champions League campaign.
Now, they are looking to the Premier League for replacements, and have earmarked exciting French talent Olise as the man to lead their line going forwards.
The cultured left-footed attacker has racked up 2 goals and 10 assists in a difficult season for the Eagles, and at 21 years old is one of several exciting talents plying their trade in south London.
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Michael Olise becomes the first @CPFC player to reach 10 assists in a single #PL campaign 👏#CRYBOU pic.twitter.com/xM8ASAdRW8
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 13, 2023
According to the Daily Mail, PSG are planning their first move for the youngster when the season ends.
The approach of PSG, however, has reportedly angered Palace, who were in the midst of contract talks with the young Frenchman. The Eagles ‘fear the interest adds a major complication to contract negotiations’, though they are ‘determined they will not lose Olise in the same window as Wilfried Zaha’, who will leave for free this summer, and that could dent any chances of Olise following him out of the door.
