The chase for Christian Pulisic’s signature is continuing this July with Italian and French clubs reportedly leading the way.
AC Milan and Lyon have continued to try and lock down a permanent acquisition of Pulisic, ESPN reported. However, Pulisic has agreed terms with AC Milan, while Lyon cannot meet the American’s wage demand, according to the report.
AC Milan’s opening bid of €15 million was turned down by Chelsea, but a new bid of over €20 million ($21.8 million) has been placed. Pulisic is also interested in playing in the UEFA Champions League next season, something that AC Milan can offer, but Lyon cannot.
Juventus was reportedly leading the race for Pulisic in late-May, however no new interest has been announced. Pulisic, 24, signed with Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund in 2019 for a reported £58 million and one year left on his current contract.
The U.S. men’s national team star struggled for the Blues during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring just one goal and adding two assists in 30 combined appearances. Pulisic missed part of the second half of Chelsea’s season due to a knee injury, while the Blues as a whole struggled for consistency in the EPL.
A former UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup winner, Pulisic has totaled 26 goals and 21 assists in 145 combined appearances for Chelsea.
He recently helped the USMNT win a second-consecutive Concacaf Nations League title in June, scoring twice in the semifinals against Mexico.
AC Milan is also reportedly interested in fellow USMNT player Weston McKennie this summer, who is back at Juventus following his loan spell with Leeds United. The Bianconeri finished fourth in Serie A last season with 70 points earned.
Lyon finished seventh in Ligue 1 this past season, missing out on European qualification by five points.