Chelsea reportedly appear increasingly unlikely to sign Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel during the January transfer window.
With just a week remaining until the market shuts until the summer, Chelsea are yet to facilitate any major incomings or outcomings.
Although that could soon change with Renato Veiga and Cesare Casadei on the brink of moves to Serie A, Chelsea are seemingly bidding to add to their attacking ranks.
Earlier in the month, Tel was linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge, only for the player and club officials seemingly stressing that they would like to continue their relationship at the Allianz Arena.
However, the 19-year-old has since failed to earn any minutes for three matches in succession, allegedly encouraging Chelsea to reignite their interest in the prospect.
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No movement expected?
According to journalist Philipp Kessler, who was commenting on X, there is little chance of Chelsea being successful in any further talks over Tel.
Kessler says that the player "is currently not interested in a move to Chelsea" and "does not see it as the ideal destination for his development".
Furthermore, it is claimed that Bayern will meet with Tel's camp later this week where a plan for the next phase of the player's development could be presented.
Tel has made just two starts and eight substitute appearances in the Bundesliga and Champions League during 2024-25, as well as accumulating just 110 minutes since the start of December.
Bayern also have just six matches between now and the end of February, likely further restricting any immediate regular involvement for the starlet.
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Ramifications for Nkunku?
The future of Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku remains a hot topic for debate with the France international remaining as backup for Premier League games.
Although head coach Enzo Maresca is seemingly of the opinion that he would like to keep Nkunku in his squad, speculation persists of a January exit to Manchester United.
If Tel remains at Bayern, that effectively rules the top-flight leaders out of the race for Nkunku and increases the chances of him staying at Chelsea.
That may only change if United create sufficient financial leeway with the relevant regulations through the sale of Alejandro Garnacho, an alleged target of Chelsea with discussions already said to have been held.
Darren Plant
