Christian Pulisic looks set to leave Chelsea this summer. AC Milan are now closer than ever to making the USMNT star their second transfer of the window from Stamford Bridge having already signed Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Pulisic has struggled to make a consistent mark during his time at Stamford Bridge since signing from Borussia Dortmund for around £58million in 2019. It has not been easy for the 24 year-old in terms of having to deal with injuries and a revolving cast of managers and teammates at Stamford Bridge.
His time at the Blues looks to have fizzled out in a whimper having been afforded just 33 minutes of Premier League game-time in the last seven matches of the 2022/23 season. In contrast to the 179 minutes he played over two games for the United States of America last month, it illustrates just how bleak things have got for Pulisic.
Here, we look at the latest transfer talk around Pulisic's future...
AC Milan arrival
Pulisic has been spotted arriving in Milan as the club's social media channels recorded him at the airport ahead of his medical. Joined by his father, Pulisic has also been sending message to his new fans. "Hi AC Milan supporters, it's Christian Pulisic," he said in a clip posted on Milan's Instagram story.
I've just arrived in Milan, I'm so excited to be here and I can't wait to get started."
He also answered an eager press pack waiting for him at arrivals. "I'm very happy to be here," he said before getting into a car to be taken away.
Loftus-Cheek early announcement
Ruben Loftus-Cheek all but confirmed Pulisic's move. Speaking in a press conference, he said: "Christian Pulisic is coming [to Milan] tomorrow [Wednesday]. We have already spoken. He will really help us. I told him he has to give everything because he's among the best in the world."
Positional issue
The Athletic report that Pulisic is set to be used in a new position under Stefano Pioli. It is said that he will be deployed centrally and mainly behind a striker as a No10 rather than from the wings.
Pulisic often features centrally for his country but has been used as a natural wide man domestically since breaking through at Borussia Dortmund.
Medical booked
Christian Pulisic to Milan could be finalised this week as he prepares to sign a four-year contract at San Siro, Fabrizio Romano has said: "Christian Pulisic will be in Italy this week to undergo medical tests and sign in as new AC Milan player on permanent deal from Chelsea," the transfer guru wrote on Twitter.
"Documents already in place between clubs, Pulisic will sign contract valid until June 2027."
Silva verdict
Thiago Silva was asked about Christian Pulisic when at the British Grand Prix on Sunday and said: "He is a good boy and a fantastic player.
"Last year he didn't have a great chance to play with us. I don't know if he will go to Milan 100%, but if he were to go he would certainly do well."
Pulisic Plan B
Serie A outfit AC Milan have lined up a move for Villarreal forward Samuel Chukwueze in the event they fail to land Pulisic.
The Athletic claim Milan remain in contact with the La Liga side.
£18.9m offer
AC Milan have submitted a second bid worth up to €20million (£18.9m) for Pulisic, The Athletic have reported.
The offer is an improvement on their opening €14million offer, but does remains under Chelsea's £25million valuation for the winger.
Second AC Milan bid
AC Milan are reportedly planning to make a second bid for Chelsea star Pulisic.
Journalist Dean Jones has suggested a second bid from Milan will be submitted for Pulisic 'this week'. Speaking to GiveMeSport, he said: "Pulisic no longer fits with the Chelsea model and he is available for transfer. Lyon's bid for him was not too far from what Chelsea have been looking for, which is around £25million, but the problem here is that Pulisic wants to join AC Milan.
"He is very hopeful that Milan return to the table this week with a new offer that is more respectable to Chelsea than their opening bid.
"I'm told that will happen; a second bid is coming. This is in Milan's hands. If they can find the money, they can sign Pulisic, but their first offer was half the price Chelsea value him at."
Pulisic 'rejects' Lyon
Pulisic has told Chelsea he will not be joining Lyon this summer despite the French side having offered a larger sum than AC Milan at present, the Daily Mail write.
Pulisic has already agreed terms with Milan and is set on moving to San Siro this summer. Meanwhile, Lyon and John Textor have made their play to sign him but are set to come up short. It is said that the Ligue 1 side are still attempting to prove they have the budget that meets the approval of France's football finance watchdog, DNCG, but it would not impact proceedings here with Pulisic's mind made up.
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Lyon bid
Lyon have made a bigger bid than AC Milan in the early stages of talks over Pulisic. It is thought that Chelsea would like to recoup around £20million ($25.4m) for him but financial issues for Italian clubs puts that into question.
Milan paid £15million ($19m) to sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek last week with add-ons and that could also be used as a basis for the demanded price. For now, though, Pulisic favours a move to Milan, though the American interest in Lyon is strong due to Textor's involvement with the club.
It is said that Lyon offered £19million ($25m) plus a meaningful sell-on fee which is being negotiated. Chelsea have good relations with the Ligue 1 side after signing Malo Gusto in January.
AC Milan offer
AC Milan have made an offer for Pulisic just days after reaching an agreement with the player over personal terms.
The Athletic now say that a £12million ($15.3million) verbal offer has been made for Pulisic but that still falls below the club's valuation of the player and that interest remains high.
Union Berlin interest
Pulisic could be heading back to Germany after it was reported by Berliner Kurier that FC Union Berlin are looking to bring him in as ammunition for their first ever Champions League campaign.
Having moved into pole position to sell Sheraldo Becker to West Ham, the Bundesliga outfit could fund their move with money from selling Becker. It is said that the strucure of a deal could be an issue, though, with Union preferring a season-long loan.
With his contract up in 2024, that is all but out of the question.
Terms agreed
Pulisic is said to have agreed terms with AC Milan ahead of a proposed move to San Siro. Although no fee has yet been finalised between the two clubs, with a gap still between the two valuations of the player.
Chelsea are said to be asking for £21.4million ($27.3million), but Milan only wishing to pay less than £15million ($19million).
Newcastle role
Newcastle buying Sandro Tonali could hand Chelsea an advantage when it comes to securing a deal for Pulisic this summer. The 23-year-old has agreed a big-money move to join Eddie Howe's side from Milan and it has handed the Italian side a hefty financial package.
With Chelsea looking to do business with Milan, they will be hoping to eek out some extra pennies from the freshly acquired Tonali money.
Puma intervene
Puma, Pulisic's boot sponsor, are considering stepping in to help the winger seal a move away from Chelsea to AC Milan, according to Gazzetta.
The sportswear are Milan's technical sponsor and the report from Italy claims they could play a part in the details of the move.
AC Milan stance
Milan do not want to pay more than £17million for Pulisic this summer. That's according to the Evening Standard, who claim the Italian side want to bring the American to the San Siro after closing in on Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
USMNT coach message
Incoming USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter has suggested a move to Italy would be a good move for Christian Pulisic 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."
New asking price
Chelsea have slapped a £25million price tag on Pulisic after the number of potential buyers increased.
French club Lyon have joined the likes of AC Milan, Juventus and Newcastle in the battle for the USMNT winger. However, according to the Evening Standard, the new asking price has put clubs off.
The report does, however, state that Chelsea could soften their demand as the window goes on.
Pulisic message
Pulisic has admitted that he isn't getting enough out of club football at the moment and has all-but-admitted that he is looking for a move.
“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,” he said while away with USMNT.
“I want to find that joy at club level again, for sure.”
Chelsea hint
Chelsea have dropped a hint that Pulisic will not be travelling with the club on their USA pre-season tour next month. The club have five scheduled fixtures for their time in the States and have promoted it on social media.
In a post including the images of Mauricio Pochettino, Ben Chilwell, Reece James and Enzo Fernandez, Pulisic was noticeably left off the graphic. Given he is a major commercial and marketing asset for the club, his lack of inclusion in such a post hints that they club are far from confident of his involvement throughout the tour.
Two new options
French side Lyon emerged as surprise contenders to sign Pulisic this summer, according to L'Equipe. The Ligue 1 outfit are said to be keen on making a statement signing of an American during this window and have reportedly identified Pulisic as their priority.
It is said talks have taken place between the two parties and that it could also lead to even more shock interest from Crystal Palace. Eagles Football Holdings are the controlling owners of Lyon and have a large stake in Palace, too. Under American businessman John Textor it is said that the London side could make a swoop in for the 24-year-old winger.
What Pulisic has said
Speaking at a press conference while on international duty with the USMNT this month, Pulisic discussed his time at Chelsea and what the summer may hold. "It's been a tough season for me personally and for our team at club level," he said.
Hinting at a potential exit, he added: "I thought it was a great couple years and the last couple years just haven't gone at all how I've planned them to be. This summer, we're obviously going to have to see what happens."
Contract status
Pulisic is one of few players who could be sold by Chelsea for a relatively large fee with the CIES Football Observatory estimating his value to be around $44million (£34.9million), though his club are said to be looking for less. Come the end of the month, Pulisic will be into the final year of the contract he signed with Chelsea back in 2019.
His value is dwindling and it is up to Chelsea to either try and make sure he becomes a key part of the club's plans going forward or try to sell him. As early as January, Pulisic can negotiate with a club abroad over a free transfer that would become official in a year's time.
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