Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea side already seems very different from the one that he inherited from Antonio Conte, with David Luiz brought in from the cold, a change of shape and N’Golo Kante performing a new role in midfield.
The emphasis has certainly been on attacking, as demonstrated by a return of eight goals from their opening three Premier League victories, but the Italian is still looking to strengthen this area of the team come January.
According to recent media reports, one man who interests the former Napoli boss, and who the Blues believe they have a chance of bringing in this winter due to the expiration of his contract in 2020, is Christian Pulisic.
Valued at upwards of £65m by Borussia Dortmund and also thought to interest Liverpool, the USA international is already well on the way to boasting 100 appearances in the Bundesliga, despite still being a teenager.
Quick, hardworking and comfortable operating down either wing or more centrally, the 19-year-old’s game has many similarities to that of Willian, and the duo’s top-flight numbers in 2017/18 were not a million miles apart:
Getting into the starting XI at Stamford Bridge on a regular basis would certainly represent a significant challenge for the Borussia Dortmund star, with Eden Hazard, Pedro, Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud also competing for playing time in attacking areas.
Having converted Dries Mertens into a world-class striker during his time in charge of Napoli, however, it is clear that Sarri is an innovative thinker who would find a way to make the American an important part of his future plans.