Christian Pulisic snubs Lyon as he lines up AC Milan move

Soon-to-be former Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic is reluctant to join Lyon as he hopes to secure a move to AC Milan, according to ESPN.

Les Gones tried to hijack the Italians’ bid to sign the United States international on Sunday, sending a £21.5 million offer the Blues’ way.

Milan have submitted an opening bid for the forward in the region of £12m, leaving Chelsea more inclined to negotiate their outcast’s switch to the Groupama Stadium.

Although Lyon’s offer falls narrowly below the English club’s asking price, American businessman and club president John Textor could flex his financial muscles to bridge the gap.

Textor has identified his countryman as his top target amid growing speculation linking up-and-coming talent Bradley Barcola with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

But Pulisic is not enthusiastic about transferring to Ligue 1 by any stretch of the imagination. He is aiming to force a move to Milan, who are set for a busy summer.

Stefano Pioli sees the 24-year-old as an ideal long-term replacement for Brahim Diaz, who left San Siro after three years to pen a new multi-year contract at Real Madrid.

Diaz’s departure, combined with Sandro Tonali’s high-profile exit, has left a gaping hole in the Rossoneri’s midfield, forcing the club to dive back into the market for reinforcements.

Pulisic has already agreed to take a pay cut to facilitate his dream of linking up with Milan, but Chelsea are not as flexible as the former Borussia Dortmund man.

The Blues shelled out £57m to prise him away from Signal Iduna Park in 2019. Although they cannot recoup that figure, they’re desperate to get at least half back.

But with Pulisic’s contract expiring next summer, there’s not much room for manoeuvre, which could compel Chelsea to accept the Italians’ proposal.

During his four-year stint at Stamford Bridge, the versatile forward has amassed 145 appearances in all competitions, but he has never reached the promised heights.