Pulisic Eyes Milan Move amid Stalemate over Transfer Fee

Christian Pulisic, a prime winger for the United States national team, has reportedly agreed to personal terms for a move from Chelsea to AC Milan. However, negotiations are still in a deadlock due to differences between the clubs over the transfer fee, according to insiders with knowledge of the situation.

The 24-year-old is reportedly ready to take a pay cut to facilitate the move, but both clubs have yet to settle on a mutually acceptable fee. Chelsea has tagged the American star with a €25 million ($27.3m) price, while Milan is aiming to close the deal within the €15m-€18m range.

Tensions between the two clubs are escalating due to disagreements over the financial aspects of the deal. Milan, on one hand, aims to utilize funds from the expected transfer of Sandro Tonali to Newcastle United to bolster their roster with three to four new players. Chelsea, however, argues that this sale means Milan could afford a larger fee for Pulisic, leading to a potential stalemate.

Regardless of these discussions, Pulisic’s heart seems set on Milan, indicating a strong desire to play in Serie A. Pulisic, who moved from Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea in 2019 for €64m, is entering his contract’s final year at Chelsea, a tenure marred by injuries and a recent falling out of favor, which has made him a probable exit in the eyes of the club.

His potential departure comes amid Chelsea’s effort to downsize their squad and curb their wage bill, a necessity following the extravagant spending of over £600m ($762m) on new signings since the club’s acquisition by a consortium last year.

Pulisic’s mixed tenure at Chelsea has been fraught with challenges, including his being booed by a segment of Chelsea supporters and the influx of new forwards which led to him fading into the background. Despite these setbacks, Pulisic’s past record, including scoring 26 goals in 145 appearances and winning the 2021 UEFA Champions League, the 2021 Club World Cup, and the European Super Cup, will undoubtedly make him an attractive acquisition for Milan.

This Milan transfer saga continues as the club, owned by American private investment firm RedBird Capital, is also said to be in talks with Valencia’s Yunus Musah. Musah, who featured in the 2022 World Cup, is another player under the radar of the Serie A giants as they continue their quest to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.