It’s no secret that Chelsea are on the hunt for a prolific centre-forward. Mauricio Pochettino hasn’t been satisfied with Nicolas Jackson and loaned out Armando Broja in January.
Chelsea have Raheem Sterling and Christopher Nkunku who can operate in a makeshift role, but they’re unconvincing. The Blues have been linked with Ivan Toney in the last two transfer windows, but Simon Phillips says they’re also after Mathys Tel.
Who is Tel?
The 19-year-old joined Bayern Munich from Stade Rennais in 2022, scoring 12 goals with four assists from 57 games. Tel’s future at the Allianz Arena is uncertain, however, as he’s still not commanding a regular starting place two years in.
Harry Kane joined over the summer and has been first choice at Bayern, so Tel has little chance of dethroning the 30-year-old. Kane set Bayern back £100m in August and has 31 goals in 31 games, so he won’t lose his place.
Tel may be considering his options, as all his Bundesliga appearances this season have been as a substitute. Chelsea are among many suitors looking to capitalise on his situation, but they may not be successful.
Would he leave Bayern for Chelsea?
Tel may not consider Stamford Bridge a good career move while Chelsea sit 11th in the Premier League table. Bayern are in danger of relinquishing the Bundesliga title this season, but they’re still much stronger than the Blues.
The Frenchman wouldn’t come cheap either. Bayern paid £24m for Tel in 2022, but his market value has risen to €50m (£43m). And with three years left on his deal, Bayern can afford to play hardball in negotiations.
Chelsea are trying to operate on a sell-to-buy policy too, so an existing player may have to be sold first. If Toney or Victor Osimhen are available for a similar price as Tel, Chelsea might opt against the youngster.
In other news, read how Chelsea were held to a point by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium
