Manchester United are emerging as the frontrunners to sign Mathys Tel before the transfer deadline, with the 19-year-old forward reportedly preferring a move to Old Trafford over Tottenham.
Tel has informed Bayern Munich of his desire to leave after struggling for minutes under Vincent Kompany, making just eight Bundesliga appearances this season.
Despite making 69 appearances since his 2022 arrival from Rennes, the highly rated teenager is now pushing for regular game time elsewhere.
Tottenham had initially agreed a £50m deal with Bayern, but Tel turned down the opportunity to join Spurs amid interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.
Both English giants are exploring loan and permanent options, with Bayern remaining open to discussions.
According to The Independent, Tel is particularly drawn to Manchester United, where manager Ruben Amorim is seeking attacking reinforcements ahead of Marcus Rashford’s expected departure to Aston Villa. Rashford has been out of favor for over a month and is set to leave on loan.
Tel’s admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo could play a role in his decision, despite United’s struggles in the Premier League. The club remains in the bottom half of the table regardless of their result against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
United’s need for attacking depth was evident against Palace, where big-money signings Rasmus Hojlund (£72m) and Joshua Zirkzee (£36.5m) were both left on the bench.
However, Arsenal remain an attractive alternative for Tel, offering Champions League football and a shot at the Premier League title. The young forward has also idolized Thierry Henry, making a move to the Emirates a tempting prospect.
Mikel Arteta has been searching for cover amid injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, hoping to strengthen the squad before their crucial clash against Manchester City. Arsenal have been linked with Benjamin Sesko, Dusan Vlahovic, and Victor Osimhen, but their primary target is Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
Villa rejected Arsenal’s initial bid for Watkins, but the Gunners are considering an improved offer. Watkins, a lifelong Arsenal supporter, is reportedly open to the move.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl acknowledged Tel’s desire for more playing time but expressed disappointment over his sudden decision to leave. “We spoke in December, and Mathys said he wanted to settle down. Now he says he wants to leave. We understand his concerns, but we would have liked him to keep fighting.”
With multiple clubs in the race, Tel’s next destination could be decided in the final hours of the transfer window.