Transfer Centre

Chelsea's Christian Pulisic heading for AC Milan?

By Carter White | 30 June 2023

Chelsea are reportedly in discussions with AC Milan over a possible deal for Christian Pulisic, with the winger keen on moving to the San Siro club this summer.

Chelsea attacker Christian Pulisic is reportedly prepared to leave Stamford Bridge this summer in order to begin a new challenge at AC Milan in Italy.

The 24-year-old made the switch from Borussia Dortmund to West London in the summer of 2019, and has since featured in 145 games for the Blues, scoring 26 goals in the process.

A highlight of Pulisic's career in England over the last four seasons was Chelsea's Champions League triumph in 2021, with the American making a substitute appearance as Thomas Tuchel's men narrowly defeated Manchester City in the final.

The 2022-23 term has been a more challenging time for both the club and the USA international, with the winger starting just eight Premier League games as the Blues finished in 12th.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano via Twitter, Pulisic is keen on a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer, as discussions continue between Chelsea and AC Milan over a potential deal.

Everton's Amadou Onana in action with Chelsea's Christian Pulisic on March 18, 2023 © Reuters

Reports this week have claimed that Mauricio Pochettino's men are looking to earn around £21.4m (€25m) from the sale of the American, amid the club's frantic attempts to trim down their bloated squad ahead of the new season.

N'Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy have all been sold to the Saudi Pro League, whilst academy graduate Mason Mount is said to be close to a move to Manchester United.

It is understood that the Blues and the Red Devils have agreed a deal worth £55m plus £5m in add-ons for the England midfielder, with Chelsea compromising on their reported £65m asking price.

Pulisic could become the second player from Stamford Bridge to join AC Milan in this transfer window, following in the footsteps of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who signed a four-year contract at San Siro this week.

The Rossoneri are said to have paid around £13.7m for the towering midfielder, who leaves Chelsea after making over 150 appearances for the club since graduating from their Cobham academy in November 2014.

Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek during training on March 6, 2023 © Reuters

It is believed that Stefano Pioli's men would have to fork out a higher fee to attain the services of Pulisic, although the Italians are hopeful of paying less than the Blues' £21.4m (€25m) asking price.

With Newcastle United understood to be closing in on the signing of midfielder Sandro Tonali, the 2021-22 Serie A champions are making serious moves to replenish their engine room options ahead of next season.

The report also claims that the Rossoneri are continuing to work on a deal for Valencia youngster Yunus Musah, meaning Pulisic could be playing with his compatriot every weekend in the upcoming campaign.

With the signings of attackers Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson already confirmed, the American winger is set for a tough battle to earn a place in Pochettino's plans if he remains at Stamford Bridge.