The talented American football star, Christian Pulisic, has openly expressed his desire to depart from Chelsea in search of rediscovering joy, following a challenging period at the club.
Since his £58 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2019, the 24-year-old has struggled to meet expectations, gradually slipping down the team's hierarchy after an initially promising debut season. Last term, he was afforded just eight starts, indicating a decline in his playing time and influence.
As Chelsea aims to streamline their squad during the current transfer window, Pulisic is among the players strongly linked with a departure. Lyon has emerged as a potential destination, with the club's American owners considering him a "priority signing." They have reportedly made contact with Pulisic and believe they can secure his services for a bargain fee of €20 million (£17.2 million).
With just one year remaining on his contract, Chelsea appears ready to cash in on Pulisic, especially after already acquiring Christopher Nkunku for £52 million this summer, while also eyeing additional attacking options.
In an interview with ESPN, Pulisic expressed his desperation to leave Chelsea, stating,
“It’s absolutely a time where I need to figure out what’s going to be best for my future and be somewhere where I can go and play and be trusted and feel good in what I’m doing. I want to find that joy at club level again, for sure.”
Apart from Lyon, Pulisic has attracted interest from clubs in Italy, although it is believed that he may seek another Premier League side as his next destination.
Chelsea has been keen on reducing the size of their squad this summer, with Pulisic being one of the high-profile potential departures. Already, N'Golo Kante has left the club to join Saudi side Al Ittihad, and reports suggest that the Blues have agreed to a £30 million deal with Manchester City for Mateo Kovacic's transfer to the treble winners. Additionally, Kai Havertz is reportedly set to join Arsenal in a £65 million deal.
Chelsea is also on the verge of significantly boosting their financial resources with Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Kouliably, and Hakim Ziyech close to securing moves to clubs in the Saudi Pro League.