Arsenal, Bayern and Chelsea keen on Crystal Palace Rolls Royce 

In form Nigeria born English Premier League debutant Michael Olise is not just attracting the interest of countries who want the uncapped player to play for them at the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, big clubs in European football also want his signature.

The Crystal Palace wide-man has settled in at Selhurst Park brilliantly, earning many admirers with his direct, skilful dribbling and pinpoint crosses.

After scoring twice and creating five more so far this season in the Premier League, as well as grabbing two more goals in the FA Cup, Olise has become the attention of an ‘international tug of war’ between England, France, Nigeria and Algeria.

However, there is also reportedly a battle for his services at the club level too, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Bayern Munich all keen on acquiring his signature, despite having arrived from Championship club Reading just last summer for £8.37m.

The 20-year-old, who was described as a “Rolls-Royce” by former Arsenal player and Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson, has averaged an impressive 8.0 match rating over his last five home games – becoming a fan favourite.

Among wingers and attacking midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues and continental competitions, the youngster ranks in the top 1% for assists per 90 with 0.50 – which obliterates Wilfried Zaha in comparison who has a worse record than 99% of other players in his position, with just 0.03 assists per 90.

Olise also ranks in the top 1% for shots on target percentage per 90 (56.3%), top 3% for crosses per 90 (3.97) and top 3% for carries into the final third (3.27).

Interestingly, the forward has a fantastic record of not being caught offside this season – demonstrating his superb footballing intelligence despite his young age.

While with the Royals, Olise has been deployed all over midfield, but particularly in the last two seasons, he has transitioned really into a left-footed right-winger who can cut in onto his stronger foot.

Rated now at £16.2m by Transfermarkt, Olise is continuing to go from strength to strength under Patrick Vieira’s management, and the exposure to first team football he has received could be enough to convince him to stay for another season.

He won’t turn 21 until next December, and so has plenty of time to eventually make the next step in his career, but should the club invest in the Summer and bring in more young talent like they are linked with, he could even help the Eagles push for a European spot next season.

Speaking on the player’s future in his pre-match press conference ahead of their clash with Manchester City, Vieira said: “No, all I can tell you is Michael is a Palace player and we love him,” when asked if Olise’s contract included a release clause.

“He is happy being with us and enjoying his football. Hopefully, he will be with us for a long, long period of time.”

However, former England forward Darren Bent believe Olise would fit the mould of player Mikel Arteta likes.  

Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, Bent said: “He is certainly the type of player Mikel Arteta will like.

“We know he likes young players and this kid has really impressed me. For large spells, I thought it was just all about Wilfried Zaha and Eberechi Eze but at the moment he has himself into the team and been sensational.

“He can go past people, he has a nice range of passing, he can score a goal and his final delivery has been lovely. I think he is a top player.

“It makes sense – if you look at what Mikel Arteta has done in the transfer market at the start of the season, all the players were 24 or younger. He [Olise] fits that kind of mould.

“The only thing you would say is where would he play because in those front areas, Arsenal are quite loaded.

“Someone of that quality, it doesn’t surprise me to see Arsenal and those top sides interested.”