Writing for Goal, Nizaar Kinsella explains why The Blues need to do whatever it takes to sign the American winger no matter how much Dortmund demand for the 20-year-old player.
There’s no way Der BVB would let the player off for less than £70m
“With BVB currently top of the Bundesliga and through to the last 16 of the Champions League, they are unsurprisingly reluctant to weaken their squad by allowing the talented 20-year-old to leave during the January transfer window, in spite of the fact that the American is no longer a certain starter at Signal Iduna Park. Consequently, the Germans are demanding £70 million ($89m) for Pulisic but Chelsea will attempt to drive down the asking price.”
Lucien Favre’s side top the Bundesliga table with a seven-point advantage
The Bundesliga side don’t need him
“There is also the fact that Pulisic is no longer a key protagonist in BVB’s renaissance, having slipped down the pecking order due to the fantastic form of teenage sensation Jadon Sancho. Indeed, while Pulisic impressed in the midweek Champions League win over Monaco – he was involved in both of Raphael Guerreiro’s goals – he hasn’t started a Bundesliga game since September.”
Hazard wants to leave, Willian & Pedro won’t last long
“Consequently, a move to Chelsea appears to make sense for everybody involved. Certainly, with Eden Hazard once again flirting with a move to Real Madrid, and both Pedro and Willian now in their thirties, the Blues could do with adding an exciting young winger to their squad. After all, this is a club that does not offer more than one-year extensions to players over 30.”
He wouldn’t have to adapt to Sarri’s football
“Certainly, he should have little trouble settling in, particularly at Stamford Bridge. As an attacker schooled at Signal Idunar Park – initially under Klopp and now Lucien Favre – he would have little trouble understanding what Blues boss Maurizio Sarri demands from his wingers. The Italian is a fan of small, skilful forwards who press the ball intelligently – Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne both excelled under Sarri’s guidance at Napoli – meaning he would fit seamlessly into the Chelsea line-up.”
“Pulisic still has plenty of areas in which he needs to improve to prove himself worthy of such a massive financial investment, particularly from a goalscoring perspective. His talent is there for all to see, though, and given his age, and his expiring contract, it’s easy to understand why both Sarri and Chelsea are keen on the American attacker.”
Would you be glad to see him in Chelsea shirt?