USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter has waded into the debate over the futures of Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun and Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic.
The American duo have been tipped to seal permanent transfers this summer amid uncertainty over their futures in England. Balogun finds himself fourth in Mikel Arteta's attacking pecking order, despite scoring 21 Ligue 1 goals for Stade Reims. In Pulisic's case, his four-year spell at Stamford Bridge looks almost certain to end this year after struggling for consistency.
“I'm not sure (about) the discussions that are going to take place. I'm not sure what's going to happen," Balogun said of his future. "But I'm just committed to now; I try to stay present. I obviously want to enjoy the moment with my team and my family. What I can say is that I definitely won't go on loan again.”
Meanwhile, Pulisic said: “It’s absolutely a time where I need to figure out what’s going to be best for my future and be somewhere where I can go and play and be trusted and feel good in what I’m doing." “I want to find that joy at club level again, for sure.”
Serie A is viewed as the most probable destination for the attackers. Inter Milan and Napoli have all been credited with interest in Balogun while AC Milan are keen to negotiate a permanent move for Pulisic after signing Ruben Loftus-Cheek from Chelsea
According to reports, Balogun will cost £50 million due to his demand and contract length in north London, which expires in 2025. Pulisic will cost less, with Todd Boehly and Co demanding £25million.
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As interest continues to mount in the players, returning USMNT boss Berhalter has offered his opinion of what the United States pair should do this summer. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, he said: “Christian plays for Chelsea but Italy and Milan are still very attractive destinations, not least because of the possibility of playing in the Champions League.
"But no advice, these are personal choices. The same goes for Balogun, who is already a certainty and not just a striker of the future as I hear people say. We’ll see…”
Both players are set to be valuable members of Berhalter's second reign in charge of the USMNT. Earlier this month, Balogun and Pulisic played pivotal roles in their victories over Mexico and Canada to win the CONCACAF Nations League.
