Manchester City are expected to trigger the release clause in Michael Olise’s contract, according to TMW.

The Italian website claims it is “very probable” that the treble winners will pay the £35m needed to buy the Frenchman from Crystal Palace.

There has been some dispute over whether a buyout fee in Olise’s contract still exists but both Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic‘s Matt Woosnam firmly believe that the clause remains active.

The 21-year-old signed a five-year deal when he joined from Reading in the summer of 2021. The Eagles have tried to negotiate an extension since then, but no agreement has been reached so the terms of his existing contract remain valid.

A Mahrez replacement

With Riyad Mahrez having left the Etihad Stadium for Al Ahli last month, recruiting a left-footed right winger to replace the Algerian is one of City’s top priorities.

Olise perfectly fits the profile. He is just coming off the back of a season where he recorded double figures for assists in the Premier League and there is also the potential for him to develop further in the future.

One slight concern is his fitness situation. The Palace star tore a hamstring playing for France at the European Under 21 Championships back in June, so he may not be available for the opening weeks of the new campaign.

City are likely to have competition for Olise

The existence of a release clause inevitably means other teams will look to take advantage of the situation.  Chelsea and Arsenal are known to be keen on the player as well.

However, both clubs need to prioritise other areas of the pitch. City, in contrast, are about to wrap up a deal for RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol and, once the Croatian’s transfer is finalised, the Premier League champions will be ready to move on to their next target.