Arsenal are now considering the statement signing of Bayern Munich star Michael Olise, and the former Crystal Palace man’s stance on a return to the Premier League has been revealed.
Olise in the running to win Ballon d’Or
The 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony is set to take place on Monday, October 26th, and Olise is among the contenders to win the prestigious award.
In fact, former Bayern Munich and France defender Willy Sagnol said: “Olise is the best in the world, far ahead of all other players. If he doesn’t win the Ballon d’Or at the end of the year, something is seriously wrong.”
Vincent Kompany stopped short of saying the Frenchman is streets ahead of the competition, but also lavished his forward with praise, saying back in April: “Michael Olise is already one of the best players in the world.”
It is difficult to disagree, considering the 24-year-old’s exploits since signing for the German side in the summer of 2024, which demonstrate that he has really kicked on since his time in England.
|
Michael Olise’s career record |
Appearances |
Goal involvements |
|
Bayern Munich |
114 |
108 |
|
Crystal Palace |
90 |
41 |
|
Reading |
73 |
21 |
Of course, Harry Kane, who scored 36 Bundesliga goals last season, is another major contender, alongside Lamine Yamal, after the winger played a major role in Spain’s triumph at the World Cup.
Although the ex-Palace star only exited Selhurst Park just over two years ago, he is already being linked with a return to the Premier League, with a number of top clubs considering moves.
Arsenal keen on signing Michael Olise
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City remain keen on signing Olise, but he has little interest in returning to the Premier League as things stand.
A contract extension at Bayern Munich may be the more plausible scenario, as he is now willing to agree new terms, and the German side are prepared to offer him a bumper contract.
The France international, who currently rakes in £220,000-a-week, is also attracting interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid, so there is certainly no shortage of potential suitors.
Of course, Olise would be a real statement signing for Andrea Berta,, but bringing in a new striker should perhaps be the priority, considering Viktor Gyokeres has struggled to force his way into Mikel Arteta’s plans this season, featuring for just 29 minutes in the Premier League.
Jamie Carragher has also suggested it could be difficult to replace Kai Havertz, saying: “To displace Kai Havertz out this team, you’re talking about one of the best players in the world, that’s what you have to get.
“It has to be an Ian Wright, guaranteed 30 goals a season, a Thierry Henry. Gyokeres is never taking Havertz’s place, not ever.”