Bayern again linked with Christian Pulisic

SI.com’s soccer insider Grant Wahl issued a report regarding Christian Pulisic’s future. Wahl stated that Bayern Munich and Chelsea have both expressed major interest in the United States star, who could be ready to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer.

On Monday, Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said U.S. star Christian Pulisic would stay with the club for the remainder of this season, meaning he will not be sold in the January transfer window. SI.com can confirm reports that Chelsea has emerged as the top contender in England for Pulisic, but a source close to top Bayern Munich officials says that club also now has significant interest in buying Pulisic from Dortmund.

Bayern has a history of poaching Dortmund’s top players–Robert Lewandowski, Mario Gotze and Mats Hummels among them–and it also is looking for replacements for the aging Franck Ribéry and Arjen Robben, even after adding Alphonso Davies from the Vancouver Whitecaps in a record outgoing transfer for an MLS player.

The Bavarian club has also made a big effort to build its brand in the U.S., and Pulisic would certainly help on that front. Keep in mind, too, that Chelsea may face a transfer ban starting next summer due to an investigation into its alleged purchase of underage players, which could rule the Blues out of any race for the 20-year-old Pennsylvania native.

Later, Wahl appeared on Fox Sports and issued the same report, which is available in the tweet below:

The emphasis on Bayern’s effort to build its brand in the United States is no small factor in a potential move. Adding the best American player would only help the Bavarians further extend their marketing reach into the United States.