Christian Pulisic 'Braced for Summer Exit from Chelsea and Could be Heading to Ligue 1 Side Lyon'
Key Highlights :
Christian Pulisic looks set to leave Chelsea this summer after reportedly holding talks with Ligue 1 side Lyon. The American forward has struggled for regular minutes since making his £58million move to Stamford Bridge four years ago from Borussia Dortmund and is being targeted by a host of interested parties.
Lyon's controlling shareholder Eagle Football Holdings, led by American businessman John Textor, are keen to secure one of USA's star players, with the 24-year-old reportedly open to the move and having held talks with the club. The Blues will likely be encouraged to sanction a sale given their mass cull of periphery players in an attempt to raise funds and balance Financial Fair Play regulations.
Pulisic is expected to be one of those shown the exit door at Chelsea and could be encouraged by the chance to gain more consistent game-time during a crucial stage in his career. He battled a knee injury at the start of the year that caused him to spend two months on the side-lines but then struggled to get reintegrated into the club's already bloated squad after regaining fitness.
The American wants to stay in the Premier League, however faces the issue of potentially needing to lower his salary demands to remain in the English top-flight. Pulisic earns more than £200,000-per-week and many clubs would be unwilling to offer him similar riches given his lack of impact at Chelsea since arriving in England.
Lyon's American owners are reportedly charmed by the positivity of the ongoing talks and have raised no issues with the plans to give him a way out of Chelsea. Eagle Football Holdings also hold 45 per cent of shares in Crystal Palace and could try to lure the Chelsea forward to Selhurst Park as an alternative option.
Pulisic is one of a number of Chelsea stars angling for an exit this summer, with Mason Mount also being linked with a switch to Manchester United. The England international has refused a new contract from the club amid reports of unhappiness at the salary on offer compared to other members of the squad. Bayern Munich also hold interest in the 22-year-old.
With the transfer window now open, it remains to be seen where Pulisic will end up come the start of the new season. However, the American looks set to be on the move away from Stamford Bridge and could be heading to Ligue 1 with Lyon.
