Manchester City unfazed by Michael Olise injury concern amid transfer interest

An injury sustained by Crystal Palace star Michael Olise at the Under-21 European Championships is not expected to impact Manchester City’s transfer interest.

The 21-year-old suffered a significant grade three hamstring tear during the Under-21 European Championships in Georgia last month, where the winger was representing France at the tournament.

Olise’s injury is expected to sideline the Crystal Palace forward for the start of the new Premier League season next month, with the Eagles having already lost fellow forward Wilfried Zaha to Galatasaray on a free transfer.

The France U21 international registered 11 assists and scored two goals for Crystal Palace last season, and the winger’s reported £35 million release clause has alerted Manchester City and Chelsea.

Pep Guardiola is in the market for a new right-winger following the departure of Riyad Mahrez, who left the club after five years, despite signing a new deal until 2025 last year.

The Algerian international, who won 11 trophies including four Premier League titles at the Etihad Stadium, has signed for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli for £30 million.

Mahrez becomes the third Premier League player to join the Middle Eastern club this summer, and the second major exit from the Blues, following club captain Ilkay Gundogan’s free transfer to Barcelona.

Manchester City begin their 2023/24 campaign against Arsenal in the FA Community Shield next weekend – and have so far completed just one summer signing – despite intense interest in RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol.

The treble-winners are expected to pursue a new forward signing, and according to Pete O’Rourke, Manchester City consider Olise as a long-term project, and as a result, are unfazed by the 21-year-olds hamstring problem.

Football Insider claim that the Frenchman’s injury wouldn’t impact a transfer to the Etihad Stadium, although Manchester City could face competition from Chelsea for the signature of the young forward.

Olise moved to Selhurst Park from Reading for £8 million two years ago.

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