Chelsea takes initial effort to snatch the $77 million Liverpool transfer target.

Liverpool may have been dealt a blow in the pursuit of one rumoured transfer target this summer, as Todd Boehly’s Chelsea looked to make the initial approach for one emerging star.

Liverpool may be disappointed in any potential transfer drive for Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, as Chelsea has made the initial approach for the attacker.

The London-born winger, who has represented France at under international level, had his greatest season yet as the Eagles finished strong in 2023-24. Despite limited minutes due to hamstring issues throughout the season, the 22-year-old impressed with his performances.

In total, he scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 19 appearances as Palace finished 15th, securing their Premier League status for another year. According to the Mirror, Olise’s purple patch has already piqued the interest of a number of possible suitors, including Liverpool, who are keeping an eye on his availability this summer.

His current employers are reportedly unwilling to accept offers below $77 million for the former Queens Park Rangers prodigy, who has also piqued the interest of Manchester City and Arsenal. As previously said, Chelsea is believed to have made the first big move for the forward.

According to the article, his “dataset and his consistent high level of performance” have prompted the Blues to increase their efforts to sign Olise. However, one significant advantage for Liverpool in the chase may be that they can offer the attacker Champions League football, whereas their rivals from West London have just qualified for the Conference League.

With 82 appearances under his belt in England’s top tier, Olise’s experience in the division may be very appealing to transfer chiefs at the country’s top clubs throughout the offseason. At Anfield, the forward might be considered a long-term alternative for Mohamed Salah.

With the Egyptian about to enter the final year of his current contract with the Reds, it’s unclear whether the coming season will be his last on Merseyside. Olise pleased Kop hero Jamie Carragher with his performances last season, and the great defender spoke highly of the kid on Sky Sports.

He stated, “Crystal Palace has two players in Eze and Olise who could easily fit into Manchester United’s team. “They have been brilliant under Oliver Glasner,” the Liverpool star told Sky Sports. There has been chatter that Olise is United’s top summer target, and it’s easy to see why. I hope they stay.

“These are two players who can undoubtedly play Champions League or European football, and they’ll want to do so, even if it’s difficult for them to do so at Crystal Palace. So the players’ ambitions will be as significant as the club’s, and you couldn’t really complain if one of them decided to go and if they get a large offer to play in the Champions League.”

Before the end of last season, Palace head coach Oliver Glasner addressed the situation regarding the futures of both Olise and Eberechi Eze, stating: “It is the club’s responsibility to keep all of its players. I know they’ll try everything. You never know how your roster will look when the next season begins. They’re excellent players, and this is an incredible group.”