Bayern Munich appear to have ruled out a proposed swap deal involving Mathys Tel and Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku this month.
Chelsea are working to strengthen their attack before the January transfer deadline and reports emanating out of Germany suggest Bayern youngster Tel, 19, has held initial talks over a move to west London.
Tell has been limited to just two starts in the Bundesliga this season and the Blues have been keen to gauge the forward’s potential availability ahead of a possible title charge in the second half of the campaign.
The idea of a player exchange has been floated by Chelsea, with Stamford Bridge bosses prepared to part with Nkunku, 27, in order to wrap up an agreement for Tel.
Hampered by persistent injury problems, Nkunku has struggled to live up to expectations following a £52million transfer from RB Leipzig in 2023 and there is a growing acceptance behind the scenes that the move has not worked – and is not likely to come good.
But it appears Chelsea will be forced to pursue other avenues this month, with Bayern’s sporting director Christoph Freund pouring cold water on the recent speculation.
‘No, if we continue the season like this, which is our plan, then it is not an issue and we have no plans bring in an attacking player,’ Freund told reporters this morning.
Asked whether Bayern were committed to Tel, Freund replied: ‘He is a very important player for us and we are in very good contact because he’s a great talent and should play an important role for us.
‘We have had many discussions. Our clear goal is for Mathys to make his breakthrough with us.
‘We are very happy with our squad when it comes to both quality and quantity.
‘Of course, if a player is unhappy, we can talk about it. But our clear plan with Mathys is for him to make his breakthrough here.’
Vincent Kompany has also been unequivocal with his support for Tel, despite the fact the teenager is yet to find the net for Bayern this term.
‘Everyone in the team has contributed to where we are now,’ the Bayern head coach said in November.
‘We believe that everyone will play a role in the end.
‘Mathys is doing very well and that’s why he keeps getting his chance here.
‘He’s still a very young player. We are a group and everyone is part of it.’
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