Mathys Tel has been starved of game time at Bayern Munich (Image: Getty)
sporting director Christoph Freund has played down the prospect of target Mathys Tel leaving the club, while welcoming the teenager to tell him if he is unhappy.
are reportedly hot on the heels of Tel, who could land at Stamford Bridge in the same January transfer window heads in the opposite direction. Nkunku is believed to have agreed personal terms on a move to Bavaria after becoming disgruntled with his lack of game time under .
The Blues are going after another forward to replace him, and Tel has emerged as a prominent target. Freund, however, insists that the plan remains for the 19-year-old to continue developing at Bayern.
“Mathys Tel is a very important player for us,” said the Austrian, who snubbed the chance to become ‘s transfer chief in 2022. “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, quality and quantity wise. Of course, if a player is unhappy, we can talk about it. Our clear plan with Mathys is for him to make his breakthrough here.”
Bayern pinched Tel for around after watching him break into the Rennes first team as a 16-year-old.
Christoph Freund was approached by Chelsea to become their sporting director in 2022 (Image: Getty)
The youngster has had to be patient while playing understudy to . And this season has been particularly frustrating, with no goals or assists to show for his seven Bundesliga appearances – only two of which were starts.
Nevertheless Tel, who hit double figures in all competitions last campaign, is still regarded as a huge talent. have previously expressed an interest in the Frenchman, while ‘s admiration is believed to be long-standing.
According to , Tel spoke to Bayern manager Vincent Kompany earlier this month and expressed a desire to stay put. The teenage forward is under contract with the Bundesliga giants unil the summer of 2029.
boss Maresca is unlikely to be short of options up front even if Nkunku leaves without being replaced. Nicolas Jackson has been his first-choice centre-forward in the this season, with Joao Felix and proving themselves to be more than capable deputies in cup competitions.