Chelsea have reportedly held talks with Bayern Munich star Mathys Tel over a move to Stamford Bridge – and Harry Kane’s future could play a role in any proposed deal.
The Blues are open to signing a striker either in the January transfer window or in the summer to bolster their strikeforce, with questions emerging over Christopher Nkunku’s happiness.
And it appears Tel has been earmarked as a possible target to add to Enzo Maresca‘s squad after an approach was made by the west London club.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claimed that Chelsea have met with Bayern officials in ‘recent days’ to be informed about his availability.
The 19-year-old joined the Bundesliga giants from Rennes in a £25million deal in 2022 at the age of 17 – making him one of the world’s most expensive under-18 players.
But Tel’s pathway to the first team has been blocked by Kane, who left Tottenham to sign for the Bavarian club in an £100m deal in 2023.
Kane’s form for his club has seen the England international, 32, keep Tel on the bench after bagging an impressive 65 goals in 66 appearances.
And the youngster has held talks with head coach Vincent Kompany to clarify his position, with Chelsea ‘asking for information’ during their informal talks. Recent reports suggest Bayern are open to a loan deal in order for Tel to get more minutes under his belt, although no details have been discussed with Chelsea on that front.
Many expected this year to be a breakthrough season for the France Under-21 international after cementing his squad status under Thomas Tuchel with 10 goals in all competitions.
But Tel is yet to find the net in 12 appearances this season under Kompany, with the arrival of summer signing Michael Olise moving him further down the pecking order.
He may find the competition for places just as rife at Chelsea, where Nicolas Jackson is Maresca’s first-choice striker ahead of Nkunku and youngster Marc Guiu.
However, Nkunku has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge after being used sparingly in the Premier League – 15 of his 18 appearances have come from the bench – and a return to the Bundesliga could appeal.
Despite links with Tel and other big-name strikers such as Alexander Isak, Maresca insisted he has faith in Jackson to rediscover his killer instinct in front of goal.
“Just continue to work in the way he’s working,” he said, when asked what Jackson can do to end his four-game drought. “He scored many goals at the beginning of the season, now there are games where he is not scoring.
“We are completely happy with Nicolas; we don’t judge Nicolas just for the goals but we judge Nicolas for different things. He is doing well, scoring goals with us that are not penalties.
“Almost all the No. 9s take penalties. He has also been a bit unlucky because he has had great chances to score.”