Ex-Fulham boss urges left-footed Super Eagles invitee to snub Chelsea, Arsenal, Leeds United

Former Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez has urged Super Eagles invitee Michael Olise to stay put at Reading amid speculation linking him with a departure from the Madejski Stadium.

There is uncertainty over the future of the former France U18 international as he has roughly twelve months to run on his contract with the Royals, and he put himself in the shop window last term, scoring seven goals and assisting twelve others in 44 matches in the Championship.

Premier League teams Arsenal, Chelsea and Leeds United have been credited in an interest in the left-footed Olise, who reportedly has a release clause of £8 million.

The 19-year-old was recognized for his impressive performances in 2020-2021, winning the EA Sports Young Player of the Season in addition to being listed on the Championship Team of the Season at the Football League Awards.

Sanchez argued that Olise still has some work to do before he can take the next step in his career.

"I read somewhere there’s an £8 million release clause – I’m sure clubs will offer that this year for him I’ve no doubt," said Sanchez to Football League World.

"For me another year at Reading wouldn’t do him any harm – they almost got into the play-offs this year and it helped him develop and another year’s development isn’t a bad thing."

A former schoolboy at Chelsea, Olise has played nonstop at Reading since 2016.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel