According to reports in Germany, Mathys Tel has privately reiterated his desire to stay at Bayern Munich this winter amid Chelsea’s interest.
Chelsea have long been interested in Tel and have begun scouring Europe for possible reinforcements amid uncertainty over Mykhailo Mudryk’s future following his positive drugs test.
The Blues’ desire to sign Tel was reaffirmed this winter when Bayern Munich made contact via Christopher Nkunku.
It is assumed that Nkunku would like to move to Bayern, Sky Sports Germany State Tel, who are yet to score in the Bundesliga season despite fierce competition for places, have stressed their desire to stay with the Bavarian giants beyond this transfer window.
Tel’s refusal to listen to offers ends speculation about a possible swap deal for Nkunku, who failed to displace Nicolas Jackson as Chelsea’s starting striker. Bayern are expected to continue trying to complete a deal for the 27-year-old but could return in the summer if they cannot convince Chelsea to sell this month.
Chelsea have been forced to look elsewhere in search of a new winger. Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens are both of interest to the Blues, who may need further reinforcements after AC Milan expressed their desire to sign Joao Felix.
Felix was signed last summer after spending six months on loan at Stamford Bridge but, like Nkunku, was able to force his way into Enzo Maresca’s team. Instead, the 25-year-old, who cost Atlético Madrid a gigantic €126m (£113m) as a 19-year-old, was largely used in Chelsea’s march through the group stages of the Conference League.