Chelsea transfer news: Christian Pulisic will be hoping to renergise his career at Stamford Bridge upon his return from injury as he approaches the final 12 months of his contract
Christian Pulisic's future at Chelsea is expected to be revisited at the end of the season. The USMNT star has had a difficult time in England after signing in 2019 and has been linked with a move away in the previous transfer windows.
He starts by naming AC Milan as the least likely suitor from his five suggestions. He said: "A move to Italy, specifically to AC Milan, could get him back in a situation where he's playing on a consistent basis. It's not the AC Milan of the 80s and 90s, we all understand that. Having said that, there is opportunity.
"The way the game is played and the type of winger that he is, at his best, Pulisic could be Del Piero-best. We have not seen his best but maybe going to Italy could draw that out."
"The concerns there are the style, the Simeone way," he continued. "But Simeone might be going out and so that's why this is intriguing. But the general style of La Liga would suit him more than maybe the rough and tumble style of that Premier League.
"My caveat there would be if he's getting berated every week by Simeone. I would hate for him to go to La Liga, play for Atletico Madrid and defending most of the time rather than showing his god given talents."
Supporters in America may be leaning more towards their idol remaining in the Premier League. While a move to Man United now seems unlikely due to the form of Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho, a move to Newcastle remains on the cards.
Eddie Howe has transformed the Tyneside club from relegation candidates to Champions League dreamers in the space of a year and this summer is expected to see further investment in the squad by their wealthy owners. Lalas thinks Pulisic would bring three things to Newcastle, which he thinks they need: 'Skill, ability and talent'.
"Newcastle, we know, is heading in an upwards trajectory. Newcastle is a work in progress but what a hell of a work in progress it is. I think sooner rather than later, they are going to find a way to that elite status," Lalas said.
"If I'm Christian Pulisic, the way that they want to play, he is a welcomed addition, because it's not the highest level, where you have that pressure. The pressure wouldn't be as great. He gets to stay in the Premier League and continue with that project. He represents a skill, ability and talent that is that next level for Newcastle."
Lalas' preferred move for Pulisic is a shock switch to Champions League holders Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have previously been credited with interest in the USMNT star but the rumour has gone quiet since the January transfer window closed.
"We have heard rumours about Real Madrid. I don't know how much to believe them, but unlike all of these others, this is undoubtedly a step-up, a massive step-up. An American playing at Real Madrid," Lalas continued.
He continued: "I don't think Pulisic will walk into Real Madrid and find a way to start. But, stranger things have happened. Maybe, if he goes into a situation where he's playing at one of the elite teams, in a league that has two elite teams, that pressure is only relevant when playing for one of the greatest teams in the world.
"A part of me says, it's an offer you can't refuse, Real Madrid. Pulisic has made plenty of money, he'll continue to make plenty of money, so he doesn't have to go places necessary for money. But I think it represents so much. I do think it's almost the culmination of the project that is Pulisic, if this was to come to be."