Arsenal have quietly placed Michael Olise at the very top of their long-term attacking wishlist, with sources confirming the club are laying the groundwork for a blockbuster £100 million-plus move in the summer of 2026.
The 23-year-old Frenchman, who joined Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace for £50million only 18 months ago, is seen by Mikel Arteta as the ultimate statement signing: a world-class right-winger capable of elevating the Gunners into genuine European royalty.
Bayern have zero intention of entertaining January approaches, even if Arsenal’s need for creativity is laid bare by Bukayo Saka’s recent injuries and Gabriel Martinelli’s inconsistent form.
Senior figures at the Allianz Arena view Olise – already with nine goals and 10 assists this season – as central to Vincent Kompany’s project and are relaxed about his contract running until 2029. A mid-season sale is categorically off the table.
Yet the seeds for 2026 are being sown now. Arsenal’s hierarchy, led by Andrea Berta, believe landing a player of Olise’s reputation would send an unmistakable message: the north London club are no longer plucky challengers but genuine destination material for Europe’s brightest talents. For Arsenal it would mark their climb back to the top of European football.
Arteta, speaking after Saturday’s win over West Ham, reiterated his mantra: “We must keep improving in every window. The best players want to play for Arsenal – we have to show them why.”
Olise’s camp are aware of the interest. The former Reading academy star turned down Chelsea in 2024 partly because he wanted guaranteed minutes; Bayern delivered Champions League football and a platform that has seen him terrorise defences with trademark cuts inside and venomous left-foot strikes.
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Olise open to London return
Sources close to the player insist he is “happy and settled” in Bavaria but would listen seriously to Arsenal if a concrete path opened in 18 months’ time. A life is London is attractive to the French superstar.
The financial package is already being whispered by sources: an initial £80million with £25million in achievable add-ons, plus a salary north of £250,000 a week. Arsenal’s healthy balance sheet, combined with expected commercial growth, makes it feasible.
For Arteta, Olise represents a huge landmark: a world-class dynamo to mirror Martinelli’s threat on the left and allow Saka rotational breathing space.
Bayern will fight to keep him, but Arsenal’s patient, calculated pursuit underlines what the club believe inside its walls – when the Gunners come calling in 2026, few stars will be able to resist.
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