Chelsea have decided to axe a front line forward and Man Utd have formulated a surprise plan they hope can seal a January deal at Arsenal and Newcastle’s expense, per a report.
The mid-season World Cup break is giving teams an extended period to finalise their January transfer plans. With the battle for the Champions League places fiercer than ever, the winter window could well be a busy one at the top end of the Premier League.
Manchester United are known to be hunting a new forward or two following Cristiano Ronaldo’s premature exit.
PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo is their primary target, while Chelsea are mobilising to sign Erik ten Hag’s Plan B.
However, the two English giants could converge in January over a Blues forward whose time at Stamford Bridge hasn’t lived up to expectations.
The Daily Mail recently reported American winger, Christian Pulisic, could be available in January. If he is, they claimed Man Utd, Arsenal and Newcastle could all explore a deal.
ESPN’s Mark Ogden has taken the story a step further, categorically stating “Chelsea under Graham Potter have decided [Pulisic] is not a part of their plans.”
The 24-year-old fell down the pecking order under Thomas Tuchel and his situation hasn’t improved since Potter took charge.
Pulisic was a £58m signing from Borussia Dortmund back in 2019 and has shown flashes of brilliance. However, injuries and a lack of faith from his managers have ensured he’s rarely got out of second gear.
United formulate surprise plan of attack
Regardless, the potential is there and Ogden reported Man Utd have formulated a loan plan that could see Pulisic signed as well as – rather than instead of – Gakpo, for example.
Loans between the Premier League’s big hitters are incredibly rare, especially for established stars who could make a genuine impact in the first eleven if fit and firing.
Furthermore, aside from Chelsea seemingly greenlighting an exit, Pulisic is also keen to seek pastures new and draw a line under his miserable Chelsea tenure.
“I’ve been told Manchester United will consider a loan move for Christian Pulisic when the window opens next month,” Ogden told ESPN.
“His future at Chelsea is uncertain – he’s played the full 90 minutes just once this season in the EFL Cup against Man City.
“Man Utd, Arsenal and Newcastle have been made aware by those that represent Pulisic that he is available and keen to move in January.”
“I don’t believe Man Utd will be prepared to spend money in January to sign Pulisic. That applies to most clubs in the EPL right now – January isn’t a market where they tend to do big business.
“But a loan move is certainly a possibility because they’ve let Cristiano Ronaldo go. Erik ten Hag does need additional forwards to choose from.”
Man Utd do have one concern
Ogden added: “I’ve been told Pulisic’s injury problems at Chelsea in recent seasons are an issue that may be a problem, but they do need cover.
“Man Utd are looking at players like Pulisic who are proven at the top level, maybe have a point to prove, and Chelsea under Graham Potter have decided he’s not a part of their plans.
“Man Utd will look at other options, but Pulisic is certainly on their radar and could consider a loan move for.
Ogden concluded by saying Arsenal and Newcastle cannot be discounted from the picture if Pulisic does depart Stamford Bridge.
However, he stressed Pulisic would be a “good signing” for Ten Hag, especially with the second half of the campaign due to be more congested than ever due to the mid-season World Cup break.
