Chelsea in Talks to Sign Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel Amid Striker Search

LONDON, England — Chelsea Football Club has reportedly held talks with Bayern Munich over the potential signing of 19-year-old forward Mathys Tel, as manager Enzo Maresca seeks to bolster his attacking options during the January transfer window.

The Blues have been actively exploring ways to strengthen their squad, with Tel emerging as a key target. According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea recently met with Bayern officials to discuss the French forward’s availability. Tel, who joined Bayern from Rennes in 2022 for £25 million, has struggled for consistent game time this season under manager Vincent Kompany.

Tel’s limited opportunities have been further compounded by the arrival of Harry Kane, who has dominated the striker role with 65 goals in 66 appearances since his £100 million move from Tottenham Hotspur in 2023. The young Frenchman has yet to score in 12 appearances this season and has reportedly held talks with Kompany about his future.

Bayern Munich is reportedly open to a loan deal for Tel, allowing him to gain more first-team experience. Chelsea, meanwhile, is considering whether to make a formal offer to bring him to Stamford Bridge. The west London club is also evaluating other striker options, with questions lingering over Christopher Nkunku‘s role and happiness at the club.

Maresca has expressed confidence in current first-choice striker Nicolas Jackson, despite the Senegalese forward’s recent goal drought. “We are completely happy with Nicolas; we don’t judge him just for the goals but for different things,” Maresca said. “He is doing well, and we believe he will rediscover his form.”

Tel, a France Under-21 international, was expected to have a breakthrough season after scoring 10 goals in all competitions last year under former Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel. However, the arrival of Michael Olise and Kane’s prolific form have pushed him further down the pecking order.

As the transfer window progresses, Chelsea’s pursuit of Tel could hinge on Bayern’s willingness to negotiate and the player’s desire for regular playing time. The Blues are also monitoring other targets, including Newcastle United‘s Alexander Isak, as they aim to strengthen their attacking options for the second half of the season.