Former Newcastle United transfer target Christian Pulisic has hinted he needs a 'new start' following a difficult spell at Chelsea and amid growing speculation over a summer exit. The Magpies 'enquired' about a loan move for the USA international last summer, but have told the Blues they are 'not interested' in a deal in this window according to the Athletic.
Pulisic arrived at Stamford Bridge in a £58 million deal from Borussia Dortmund in January 2019, but has struggled to live up to expectations at the club. The 24-year-old is entering the final year of his contract at Chelsea, and is one of a host of first-team stars tipped to depart with suggestions that a £20m fee would be enough to land the versatile attacker.
Newcastle's current priority is on strengthening the midfield, although they continue to be linked with right-sided forwards. However, the January signing of Anthony Gordon seems to have led to Eddie Howe's attention being turned to other areas of the squad.
Asked about his future following international duty with the USA, Pulisic told ESPN: "It's a big summer for me. There was a lot of talk, and I was so focused this week on what I was doing with the national team.
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"It was kind of hard to think about all that, but it's absolutely a time where I need to figure out what's best for my future. Somewhere I can go and play and be trusted and feel good in what I'm doing, and I want to find that joy at club level again."
Pulisic is keeping his options open, and did not rule out a move away from the Premier League or continuing at Chelsea under new boss Mauricio Pochettino. When pressed on what he needs to succeed at club level, the forward answered: "I think it's what all players need, you go somewhere where you're wanted and somewhere you feel comfortable playing. Somewhere you can enjoy going out and fighting and doing what you do on a weekly basis.
"That's it. Sometimes you need a new start, other times you don't. You have to find what's best for you, and you've got to be in the best headspace mentally to find that joy again."
