Why Chelsea shouldn't let Hazard-like Pulisic leave for Juventus

Updated: 4 May 2022 16:24 BST
3 min read

Christiano Pulisic enjoyed a productive first season with Chelsea but has struggled for game time lately — © ProShots

Juventus are interested in signing Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic in the summer transfer window.

The 23-year-old has struggled for gametime this season, starting just 10 Premier League games - registering five goals and one assist.

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Indeed, he has fallen behind Timo Werner and Hahim Ziyech in manager Thomas Tuchel's pecking order.

So, this means that the American could be looking for a way out of the west London club with Juventus reportedly interested, according to Tuttosport.

The Old Lady view him as a replacement for Paulo Dybala, who is leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season.

And, Pulisic's dad has stated that this is an important moment in his son's career - with a move to Serie A potentially on the horizon.

''The sad thing is he loves the club, team-mates, and London,'' Pulisic Sr tweeted. ''[Pulisic] puts his heart and soul into being a pro. Onwards and upwards my boy… big six months ahead.''

Why Chelsea should keep Pulisic

Chelsea should look to sell other members of their bloated squad before Christian Pulisic is placed on the transfer list.

The likes of Werner, 26, Ziyech, 29, and Lukaku, 28, can be sold with little fear that they will go on to prove the club wrong.

The trio have been given a reasonable number of chances and are of an age where it is unlikely that they will develop any further.

However, 23-year-old Pulisic's career could unfold in a similar vein to Mohamed Salah or Kevin De Bruyne should he leave the club now.

The pair of Premier League stars left Chelsea as failures and have become Ballon d'Or contenders at Liverpool and Manchester City, respectively.

Juventus have shortlisted Chelsea trio Jorginho, Christian Pulisic, and Emerson Palmieri for summer moves.

- @tuttosport
— Simon Phillips (@siphillipssport) May 4, 2022

Add to that, the American, signed as Eden Hazard's long-term replacement, has hit heights that none of the current crop of attackers have.

At the end of the 2020-21 season, under Frank Lampard, Pulisic performed at a world-class level, carrying the club into the Champions League places.

Now, even though it was only a handful of games, the potential that the young forward has was clear for all to see.

So, the Blues might as well keep hold of him for years to come, as his ceiling is a relative unknown, instead opting to sell players who are clearly not up to standard and never will be.