Chelsea and USA winger Christian Pulisic 'agrees a long-term deal with Italian side
Christian Pulisic's potential departure from Chelsea has taken a step forward as reports suggest he has reached a preliminary agreement for a long-term deal with AC Milan. The 24-year-old American winger endured a difficult and disappointing season with Chelsea, and it has been widely anticipated that he will leave Stamford Bridge this summer. AC Milan has emerged as his likely destination, with ESPN reporting that the clubs have agreed on contract terms, although the transfer fee still needs to be negotiated.
The report indicates that Pulisic would need to accept a significant pay cut, while the two clubs must come to an agreement on the transfer fee. Chelsea is said to be holding out for a fee of $27.3 million, while Milan is aiming to pay no more than $19.6 million.
AC Milan, who are preparing for a substantial windfall from the expected departure of midfielder Sandro Tonali to Newcastle, are eager to strengthen their attacking options. Pulisic's Chelsea teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek has already left the club this summer, following the departures of N'Golo Kante and Kalidou Koulibaly to the Saudi Pro League and Mateo Kovacic's move to Manchester City.
With just one year remaining on his contract, Chelsea faces the risk of losing Pulisic for free next year if he doesn't leave this summer. Pulisic joined Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund for a fee of $72 million in January 2019. However, his time at the Premier League club has been marred by injuries, and he has struggled to secure a regular place in the starting lineup. In the most recent season, he only scored one goal and provided two assists in 30 appearances, starting just eight times in the Premier League.
Pulisic has been linked with moves to several Serie A clubs, including AC Milan, Juventus, and Napoli. Manchester United and Newcastle have also been mentioned as possible destinations. His potential departure is part of a summer exodus from Chelsea following their disappointing season and the arrival of owner Todd Boehly's fourth manager, Mauricio Pochettino. Pulisic's last appearance for Chelsea saw him being booed by some sections of the home support during a 1-1 draw against Newcastle, which concluded a turbulent campaign, leaving Chelsea in 12th place.
Despite the challenges, Pulisic played a role in Chelsea's Champions League triumph two years ago, featuring as a substitute in the final against Manchester City. He also made significant contributions in the semifinal against Real Madrid. On the international stage, he recently scored a brace in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-final against Mexico and captained the United States to victory against Canada, securing their second consecutive title.
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