Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea have "held talks" for Bundesliga striker amid Bayern Munich interest in £50m star
Chelsea are yet to make a move in the January transfer window both concerning incomings and outgoings.
Chelsea have reportedly held talks with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in recent days over attacker Mathys Tel, who is negotiating a new contract at the Allianz Arena. The Blues are yet to make a signing in the January transfer window, but have been linked with making moves for both a striker and a centre-back, as they aim to keep their narrow title hopes alive.
Enzo Maresca’s side remain an outside contender for the Premier League title, as they sit behind Arsenal and Liverpool who have emerged as the frontrunners for the league.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano on X, Chelsea already spoke to Bayern about 19-year-old Tel, who has made seven appearances for Vincent Kompany’s side so far this season. Romano said: “Chelsea held talks about Mathys Tel with Bayern in the recent days, early stages of contacts to be informed on his situation. Tel spoke to Kompany 10 days ago as he wants to succeed at Bayern; while Chelsea asked for info on Mathys during talks with the German club.”
The Frenchman has struggled to carve out a regular first-team role for himself at Bayern this year, due to the success of England captain Harry Kane. Tel signed for Bayern in July 2022 from French side Stade Rennais for a fee of £16.8m. He has since made 81 appearances for Bayern, scoring 16 goals and six assists as he aims to break through into Kompany’s starting XI.
Bayern could offer swap deal for £50m Chelsea striker
Chelsea’s reported interest in Tel comes as Bayern Munich have reportedly made an agreement with Blues attacker Christopher Nkunku, who has struggled to get regular first-team football under Maresca this season. According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg on X, Nkunku wants to join Bayern as soon as possible. Plettenberg said: “Bayern have already reached a full verbal agreement with Nkunku on a top long-term contract. All terms are agreed. Nkunku wants to join Bayern right away.”
Seeing as Nkunku to Bayern looks to be almost a certainty, Chelsea or Bayern could suggest a swap deal involving Nkunku and Tel, with the German side likely having to add some extra cash into a deal to make it fair.
Nkunku has made 28 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring 13 goals and four assists. He is yet to become a regular part of Maresca’s Premier League starting XI, hence why the Frenchman is keen on a move away this month. It has been said that he also attracted interest from Manchester United.
How would Mathys Tel fit into Chelsea’s squad?
In the immediate future, the 19-year-old would likely play the role that Nkunku has taken up, starting in cup competitions including the Europa Conference League.
He will likely remain on the bench for the Premier League fixtures, behind Nicolas Jackson, who has become Maresca’s first-choice goal scorer in the league. Jackson has scored nine goals and contributed three assists in 19 Premier League games this year.
Due to him being just 19 years-old, Tel could develop into a top Premier League attacker for the Blues should they tempt him away from Bayern Munich this month. He can play as a winger on either side, or a centre-forward, which could prove useful for Maresca.