AC Milan and Chelsea have come to terms over the transfer of Christian Pulisic, marking the latest addition to Milan's summer signings. The agreement was reached at €20m, including bonuses, and the transfer paperwork is in its final stages.
According to multiple reports, Pulisic, the former Borussia Dortmund standout, snubbed a more lucrative offer from Olympique Lyonnais, showing his keen interest in donning the Milan jersey. A four-year contract awaits him at Milan, with just a few administrative hurdles remaining. The club aims to wrap up these formalities, including his medical and contract signing, before the preseason camp at Milanello commences on Monday 10 July.
Despite a challenging season with Chelsea, where he managed just one goal and two assists, Pulisic delivered a strong performance for the USA national team in the World Cup in Qatar. The 24-year-old joined Chelsea in 2019 after a spell at Borussia Dortmund, where he tallied 26 goals and 21 assists in 145 appearances.
The anticipated arrival of Pulisic at Milan, coming on the heels of former Chelsea teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek's move, marks the second summer acquisition from Chelsea for the Rossoneri. Pulisic's signing also underlines Milan's intention to strengthen their attack, with 'Captain America' expected to work in tandem with new No.10 Rafa Leaoin.
For AC Milan's coach Stefano Pioli, Pulisic offers an attacking versatility. Not only can he play on either wing as he demonstrated during his time at Dortmund and Chelsea, but he can also function as a playmaker in a 4-2-3-1 formation, a role he's fulfilled for the USA national team.
However, Milan's pursuit of Pulisic and Loftus-Cheek has not been without its detractors, with some critics arguing that the club could have procured promising new talents with the money spent on these players.
The deal is also expected to boost Milan's brand in the U.S., fulfilling one of the objectives of RedBird Capital, the club's major stakeholders. The transfer, in effect, could serve as a bridge connecting the Italian side to a vast American audience.
