Lyon identify Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic as top summer target

Christian Pulisic is one of many fringe players expected to say goodbye to Chelsea in the coming months as the Blues prepare for a comprehensive squad overhaul.

According to French media outlet L’Equipe, Lyon have underscored the United States international as an ideal signing to bolster their attacking ranks following another underwhelming Ligue 1 campaign.

Like Chelsea, Les Gones experienced a nightmarish domestic season, failing to secure European football for the third year on the bounce after finishing seventh in the league.

Despite welcoming Karl Toko Ekambi and Tino Kadwere back from their loan spells at Rennes and Mallorca, respectively, manager Laurent Blanc hopes to add to his attacking options.

Offensive potential is bursting at the seams at the Groupama Stadium, with Alexandre Lacazette, Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki headlining an all-French attacking set-up.

But the latter two have attracted interest from all across Europe, with Barcola catching the eye of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and Cherki making Paris Saint-Germain’s wishlist.

Meanwhile, Pulisic’s disheartening adventure at Chelsea is about to expire as the Londoners frantically look to offload the 24-year-old before he enters the final year of his contract.

The USMNT forward’s career at the Bridge has never taken off, but his form was particularly embarrassing last season as he only managed one goal from 24 Premier League appearances.

Chelsea are ready to negotiate the former Borussia Dortmund star’s departure on a cut-price deal, which has already put Serie A powerhouse AC Milan on red alert.

Lyon may not be able to bring the lure of Champions League football to the table like the Rossoneri, but they may still have an ace up their sleeve in the form of new president John Textor.

The American businessman is a big-time admirer of his compatriot and won’t hesitate to meet Chelsea’s asking price to offer Pulisic an escape route to France.

No strangers to reviving players’ careers, Les Gones have already helped Lacazette and Memphis Depay bounce back from their difficult time in the Premier League and get back on track.