CHELSEA have been dealt a huge blow after sources claimed that they are unable to trigger Michael Olise's release clause.
This comes after Chelsea contacted Crystal Palace over a move for Olise as the Blues look to step up their attacking transfer plans.
The Blues missed out on the winger, 22, last summer as he penned a new deal at Selhurst Park.
But Chelsea had hoped to trigger the £60million release clause through a structured transfer package of instalments this summer.
But now it is understood that Olise's release clause in his Palace contract is far from straightforward.
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In fact, it can only be triggered by a Champions League club, claims The Telegraph.
This comes as a major blow to Chelsea after they failed to qualify for next season's edition of Europe's top competition.
Instead, the Stamford Bridge club suffered another disappointing campaign, before being offered some consolation in the final months as they rose from 11th to sixth in the Premier League.
However, they were robbed of their Europa League place after Manchester United - who finished eighth in the Prem - won the FA Cup against rivals Manchester City at Wembley.
Instead they will play in the Conference League.
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Nonetheless, Chelsea believe being outside of Champions League will not impinge their ability to land Olise, and trust that they will not have to pay more than any other interested party.
But Chelsea fans are in bits over the news.
One supporter wrote: "Oh no, so Olise isn't coming? All the excitement just went out the window."
Another said: "Oh for God sakes, so Chelsea not be able to trigger it!"
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Meanwhile the west London club faces competition for Olise's signature from United, Man City, Newcastle and Arsenal.
The Frenchman scored 10 times in 19 games during the 2023/24 campaign, but missed much of the season due to a hamstring problem.
Elsewhere Palace have also reportedly slapped the same £60m price tag on Eberechi Eze, who made Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 England squad ahead of Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish.