Mercato OL: Pulisic says no to Textor
Having already cut his teeth on João Gomes last winter, new OL boss John Textor has just been rebuffed by his compatriot Christian Pulisic, who prefers to sign for AC Milan.
Times are hard for John Textor's OL. On Tuesday, the DNCG decided to restrict its wage bill and control transfers during the summer mercato. This measure will not prevent OL from recruiting (they have already completed the arrivals of Skelly Alvero and Clinton Mata), but it will force them to be accountable to French soccer's financial watchdog.
Today's edition of L'Equipe also confirms that Christian Pulisic is no longer on the radar. Chelsea's American winger, who has just one year left on his contract and no longer plays much for the Blues, was John Textor's big dream this summer. OL even made Chelsea a handsome €25 million offer last Sunday.
Pulisic wants to sign for AC Milan, not OL
The London club is delighted with the offer, which is considerably higher than the €14 million offered so far by AC Milan. The problem for OL is that Pulisic wants to play in the next Champions League and prefers the Italian club, with whom he has already reached an agreement.
Pulisic, Alvero, Mata, le futur n*6, la rumeur Umtiti, Toko, Mendes… tout est là.
— hugo (@hugoguillemet) July 4, 2023
@lequipe https://t.co/ueHtz4iB9d
This information has been leaked for several days now, and was confirmed by L'Equipe on Wednesday, who went on to say that John Textor recently bumped into Christian Pulisic at his vacation resort in Florida. On this occasion, Pulisic told Textor that his ambition was to join the Rossoneri.
The case therefore seems all but dead for OL, especially as the DNCG's wage bill restrictions mean that they will not be able to afford the American winger's wages "even with every conceivable financial package", says L'Equipe.
Christian Pulisić doesn’t change his position: he wants AC Milan move as priority since last week — he has been clear again on this point. 🔴⚫️🇺🇸 ACMilan
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2023
Talks between Chelsea and AC Milan, ongoing to reach an agreement on the fee. pic.twitter.com/oo41Q9hU61
According to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, AC Milan are expected to make a new offer to Chelsea in the near future. Fabrizio Romano confirms that Pulisic has made Milan his priority and that discussions are continuing between Chelsea and the Italian club.