Chelsea and Bayern Munich are at the centre of an interesting transfer saga in this January window.
The transfer speculation this week suggests that players could move in both directions between Stamford Bridge and the Allianz Arena.
Bayern have agreed terms with Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea as the Bundesliga giants plan to sign the 27-year-old Blues attacker this month.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have held talks with Bayern about Mathys Tel because he’s on their radar in January.
Tel, who’s still only aged 19, is an extremely exciting French attacker. Could be become the latest in a long line of Frenchmen to play in West London?
Mathys Tel idolises former Chelsea star Nicolas Anelka
It’s not uncommon to hear many young and upcoming centre-forwards cite Chelsea legend Didier Drogba as a major inspiration.
However, Bayern teenager Tel previously shared that he idolises former Blues striker Nicolas Anelka.
When asked why he wears the number 39, Tel said via Bavarian Football Works: “Because I already had it at Rennes and also because Nicolas Anelka wore it. I like Anelka, he was a really good player.”
Retired French ace Anelka, who played at Chelsea between 2008-2012, won the Premier League, FA Cup (twice) and Community Shield as a Blues player. Even though the talented striker wasn’t ever the main man in West London, he was a key component of a very successful group.
Appearances | Goals | Assists |
184 | 59 | 30 |
Mathys Tel identifies his three biggest strengths
For Chelsea supporters who’ve never watched Tel in action before, he’s a versatile young forward with bags of potential and ability.
The 19-year-old attacker can play as a centre-forward or left-winger. The youngster’s position often varies because he’s in and out of the Bayern side due to huge competition.
When asked for his biggest strengths, Tel told the Bundesliga’s website: “My speed, my shot and my dribbling.”
On paper, Tel could be a smart addition for Chelsea because there’s an argument to be made that they need some extra cover on the left wing and the No.9 spot.