PULISIC IS START OF CHELSEA REVAMP
CHELSEA are planning a mid-season revamp after landing £58million Christian Pulisic.
The Blues beat Liverpool and Manchester City to the USA midfielder, then loaned him straight back to Borussia Dortmund until the summer.
They also want another striker to take the pressure off Eden Hazard with Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson still a target.
A new defender could also be brought in with Gary Cahill likely to leave for Fulham, Watford or West Ham.
Pulisic, 20, signed a five-and-a-half year deal as the Blues look forward to next season.
US national team coach Gregg Berhalter said: “When you talk about him being able to play in the Premier League, you see he has the ability to unbalance a defence.
“He is very good technically, has very good mobility, excellent shooting and can give a final pass.
“He is the type of player you see in the Premier League now and that makes the Premier League such an exciting league.”
Pulisic’s dad Mark has revealed Christian’s “obsession” with the game came from his spell at Brackley Town in Northamptonshire as a seven-year-old.
Born in Pennsylvania, his mum Kelley went on a teaching exchange scholarship in England.
Speaking in 2016, Mark said: “The coach Robin Walker was a real influence and we’re still friends to this day.
“Christian went to play in tournaments and really fell in love – became obsessed with the sport.
“He played every day at school and after school, going out into the playground and kicking the ball around with kids of any age.”
That spell lasted a year before Mark returned home to continue his coaching career then guided his son through development groups at Michigan Rush and national academy side PA Classics.
Dortmund were tracking his progress and snapped up the then 16-year-old in 2015.
Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri (above) is now expected to model his team of the future around
Pulisic as he dismantles the squad that lifted the title under Antonio Conte.
The American’s arrival leaves Ruben LoftusCheek, already struggling for regular action, further out in the cold.
The future of star man Eden Hazard also remains uncertain despite Pulisic’s arrival, which Mirror Sport predicted back in November (left).
Cesc Fabregas also appears to be heading away, with Monaco his likely destination.
The midfielder, 31, who has six months left on his contract, is frustrated at a lack of game time in London and could link up again with former Arsenal teammate Thierry
Henry.