Arsenal have received a significant boost in their pursuit of Christian Pulisic this summer, after AC Milan paused contract renewal talks with the American superstar following concrete interest from Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta.
The development marks a notable shift in Milan’s stance. Just weeks ago, Pulisic was viewed as untouchable by the Rossoneri; now, with Arsenal’s interest confirmed, he has become a realistic transfer target for the Gunners.
TEAMtalk’s transfer insider Graeme Bailey first reported on 12 February 2026 that intermediaries had already opened discussions with Arsenal regarding a potential deal for the former Chelsea attacker. At that stage, sources indicated that Liverpool and Manchester United had also been informed of Pulisic’s possible availability at the end of the season.
Among Premier League clubs, Tottenham Hotspur initially showed the strongest and most proactive interest in “Captain America”. However, Spurs’ precarious position — facing a genuine risk of relegation to the Championship — makes a move to north London far less appealing for a player of Pulisic’s calibre.
The situation has now evolved decisively in Arsenal’s favour. Italian journalist Marco Varini revealed on X at 2:04pm on 16 March 2026 that Milan have halted renewal negotiations precisely because of Arsenal’s approach.
“The #Milan has put the renewal of #Pulisic on hold, due to the recent interest from @Arsenal, a club that can afford the 75M requested by via Aldo Rossi,” Varini wrote. “In light of this season, the Rossoneri are making their evaluations, and the American no longer seems untouchable. The player, moreover, wouldn’t mind at all a return to #Premierleague. An official offer from the #Gunners is awaited.”
Milan are reportedly willing to let Pulisic depart for €75 million (£65m / $86.3m), a fee that reflects both his quality and the remaining length of his contract. The 27-year-old is tied to the Serie A club until 2027, with the option of an additional year.
Under manager Massimiliano Allegri this season, Pulisic has been deployed primarily as a second striker, though he has also featured as a centre-forward. In December 2025, Milan assistant coach Marco Landucci described him as “a sniper” in an interview with MilanNews, adding: “Pulisic is a strong player. He’s very calm in the locker room, but on the pitch, he has a healthy determination, he wants to score.”
The statistics underline why Arsenal see him as a high-value addition. During his time at Chelsea, Pulisic recorded 26 goals and 21 assists in 145 appearances across all competitions, including a Champions League winners’ medal in 2021. Since joining Milan in 2023, he has been even more prolific, netting 42 goals and providing 25 assists in 126 matches.
With Andrea Berta’s targeted interest now directly influencing Milan’s thinking, Arsenal appear to have been handed the green light they needed. The ball is now in the Gunners’ court — an official bid could transform this growing speculation into one of the summer’s most significant Premier League transfers.