Chelsea face competition from Serie A giants for Championship starlet

AC Milan enter the race for Chelsea target Michael Olise

According to Serie B News via Sempre Milan (h/t Football.london), AC Milan have entered the race for Chelsea target Michael Olise.

The 19-year-old starlet had spent short spells at the Chelsea and Manchester City youth academies before joining the Royals in 2016. A versatile attacking midfielder, Olise broke into the Reading first team in 2019.

He has since grown into an important first-team player for the Championship side. Olise has made 21 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring four goals and assisting seven more. (h/t Transfermarkt)

According to the report, Milan are looking to land the player on a permanent deal next summer. They are also willing to let him leave on loan for the 2021/22 campaign.

The Serie-A leaders’ entry further intensifies competition for a player garnering interest from the top sides in England. The Likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal are all keeping tabs on the youngster.

With just 18 months left on his current deal, there is a window of opportunity for us to make our move.

It was reported earlier that Olise has a paltry release clause of just £8m in his current contract. The ability to land such a talented young player for that throwaway price does not come very often.

With his contract running out, Reading have planned contract negotiations for the new year. Whether they can reach an agreement for Olise remains to be seen.

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As seen with the likes of Jadon Sancho, Angel Gomes, Bobby Duncan, and Jude Bellingham, English youngsters are not afraid to move abroad to further their careers.

Milan have enjoyed a resurgent season so far and could sue that clout to bring in promising names for the future. Chelsea have in recent months shown they are ready to give youth a chance. Whether that will be enough to see us convince Olise remains to be seen.