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Maurizio Sarri makes surprise admission over Chelseas Christian Pulisic deal

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Maurizio Sarri claimed he was unaware of Chelseas bid for Christian Pulisic (Getty Images)

Maurizio Sarri claimed that he was unaware of Chelseas intentions to sign Christian Pulisic after witnessing his sides 0-0 draw against Southampton at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea completed the first major transfer of the January window, signing Pulisic for £58m from Borussia Dortmund before loaning him back to the Bundesliga leaders until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old, who is already the captain of the United States national team, was linked with Liverpool and Bayern Munich, amongst others and Chelsea moved quickly to secure the deal.

Given the timing of the deal, the first Sarri was asked about Pulisics capture came after the stalemate with Southampton, yet he seemed unwilling to discuss it at length.

Christian Pulisic will join up with Chelsea for pre-season (Getty Images)

I dont know, said Sarri when asked about the Pulisic signing. I didnt know anything about Pulisic yesterday.

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The club asked my opinion about him about one month ago. My opinion was positive. Today I have known that the deal is done but I didnt know anything.

Chelsea were without Pedro and Callum Hudson-Odoi against Southampton due to hamstring injuries while Willian was forced off in the first half after a challenge from Maya Yoshida.

With Chelseas injury list mounting up and Eden Hazard the only fully fit winger in the squad, Sarri was asked whether he would have preferred Pulisic to join this month rather than in the summer.

He responded: I dont know, I am not in control of the market. I have to think about the pitch, improving my team and the offensive phase.

We are good to build up the action, we have to improve in the last 20 metres. The club know my position, it is up to the board.

He added: As I said before I am not in charge of the market, it is difficult for me to talk about the market or the deal of Pulisic.

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While Sarri didnt seem keen to talk about his future player, Pulisic himself released a statement after the move was confirmed, saying it was a privilege to sign for the club.

In [the] summer I move on to Chelsea and to a new competition, the English Premier League, he said.

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Its a privilege to have signed for such a legendary club and I look forward to working hard towards being a contributor to their team of world class players.

Pulisic started his career at Dortmund and has made 115 appearances for the club to date, scoring 15 goals.