‘He’s a special player’…Paul Merson says he loves how hard £50m Arsenal target works for PL rival

Add as preferred source on Google

Paul Merson believes that Arsenal target Michael Olise will be able to thrive wherever he ends up moving, as he labelled the Crystal Palace star a special player.

Michael Olise has been a shining light in an underwhelming campaign for Roy Hodgson’s men. The 22-year-old has scored five goals in just nine Premier League games this season. He has 31 goal involvements in 80 games in all competitions for the Eagles.

Unsurprisingly, the youngster is attracting a lot of attention.

Paul Merson says Arsenal target Michael Olise is special

Liverpool are interested in Olise. Meanwhile, Arsenal are aware that Olise has a £50 million release clause in his contract at Selhurst Park.

And speaking on Sportskeeda, Paul Merson suggested that Olise has the talent to thrive with any of the clubs now chasing his signature.

“Michael Olise has been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United since the turn of the year and also rejected a move to Chelsea last summer. I love his work ethic and think he’s a special player, so he should be fine no matter where he lands up,” he said.

Crystal Palace star could provide competition for Bukayo Saka

Arsenal fans would certainly love to see Olise join in the near future. Finding someone to cover and rival Bukayo Saka has been difficult for Mikel Arteta. Reiss Nelson is obviously very talented, but his future appears to lie elsewhere if he wants to play regularly. And that seems to have a toll on Saka in recent months.

Olise has been outstanding on the right wing for Palace. He has missed a large portion of the season due to injury. But he is likely to only get better in the coming years.

He would certainly be able to come in if Saka was sidelined for any reason. And if he does indeed have a £50 million release clause, it is surely something of a no-brainer for Arsenal to make a move.