Chelsea will have to hash out terms with AC Milan if they are to sell Christian Pulisic this summer. The American is a main target for Stefano Pioli's side and may be set to join Ruben Loftus-Cheek in making the cross from Stamford Bridge to San Siro.
After the 27-year-old departed for around £18 million ($22.8m), ending his near two decade-long career with the club, the attention has now turned towards Pulisic. He is a player that have admired for a long time and have tried to sign before now, too.
Last summer there were talks between Milan, who were champions at that stage, and Chelsea over loan deals, swap deals and anything that might get Pulisic the move he desired and Chelsea the cash they craved. Nothing was agreed and into limbo the USMNT star went for another season.
His most difficult and disappointing of his professional career so far, Pulisic now heads into this summer with just 12 months left on his contract and no sign of a future in west London. As Chelsea plot to clear out their undperforming and overpaid stars, Pulisic is one part of a much wider exodus.
Given that Mauricio Pochettino is set to take his new squad away with him to America in under two weeks for pre-season, he is still yet to meet almost all of his first team squad for the 2023/24 campaign. Pulisic is no different. He is now on holiday after a successful CONCACAF Nations League break with USA.
He scored twice in the semi-final win over Mexico before captaining the side again in the final victory against Canada. It is the second time in a row he has lifted the trophy and continues his hot streak for his country. He may now not even return to Chelsea before embarking on the next step in his career.
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With both Milan and Lyon leading the queue to sign him, bids have been made from both sides. Interest is widespread, though, and Juventus, Napoli and Crystal Palace have also been linked. It is the lure of a new challenge and Champions League football that sets Milan out as favourites.
According to reports, Pulisic has told Chelsea he will not join Lyon despite their opening bid being higher than Milan's. The French side, owned by American businessman, John Textor, have a vested interest in Pulisic and have offered £19m ($25m) for the 24-year-old.
This is closer to Chelsea's valuation for the attacker and would also include a sizeable sell-on fee. After completing the purchase of Malo Gusto from Lyon in January, lines of communication and positive relations are also in practice.
Milan, though, have got Pulisic's blessing and he is keen to be playing there next season. Their opening offer was for £12m ($15.3m) but falls below the demanded price from Chelsea. Given there is just one year left on his contract, Pulisic's book value is close to this bid.
His challenge at Chelsea has only further increased this summer despite the exit of Kai Havertz and Joao Felix. Christopher Nkunku's £52m ($66m) move from RB Leipzig is yet another obstacle between Pulisic and consistent gametime, his transfer decision now only reflects that.
He has also agreed personal terms with Milan, it is said, and they are his favoured destination. Even if Lyon prove that their budget meets the guidlines of France's football finances watchdog, DNCG, it is not likely to be enough to get Pulisic across the line given the player's firm stance.
The task is now to negotiate a price with Milan that suits all parties. Having already sold Loftus-Cheek, Fikayo Tomori and Olivier Giroud there in recent years, the aim is to find an agreement here once more. With Milan actively seeking new options including Mohammed Kudus, and finances being tight, the quicker the better.
