The race is heating up for Bayern Munich’s rising star Mathys Tel, with Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United all vying for his signature before the January transfer window closes.
The 19-year-old French forward has reportedly decided to leave Bayern this month, triggering a last-minute battle among top Premier League clubs.
Despite turning down Chelsea initially, Tel remains a highly sought-after talent. With 16 goals and seven assists in 82 appearances for Bayern, he has already drawn comparisons to Kylian Mbappe.
A move to England seems increasingly likely, making Tel one of the most exciting prospects on the market.
A Versatile Attacking Threat
One of Tel’s biggest strengths is his adaptability. He thrives as a left winger but is also comfortable playing on the right or as a central striker. His ability to drift inside as a second striker—often referred to as a ‘false winger’—makes him an attractive option for managers looking to add fluidity to their attack.
Speaking to Bundesliga’s official website in 2023, Tel described his preferred roles: “I’m somewhere between a number nine and a left winger. I can also play on the right, but I’m more comfortable as a striker and on the left.” Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, could look to deploy him in this hybrid role if they manage to outmaneuver their rivals.
The Next Mbappe
Tel’s rapid rise has drawn inevitable comparisons to French superstar Kylian Mbappe. Like Mbappe, he made headlines before turning 17, with his blistering pace, dribbling ability, and finishing prowess setting him apart.
Both players excel at cutting inside from wide positions, making them unpredictable threats in attack. When Tel first arrived at Bayern three years ago, fans even dubbed him a ‘mini-Mbappe,’ a nickname that still follows him today.
From Rennes to Bayern
Tel’s journey began in France, where he developed at clubs like JS Villiers-le-Bel, Paris FC, AS Jeunesse Aubervilliers, and Montrouge FC 92 before joining Rennes’ academy in 2020.
He made history at Rennes by becoming their youngest-ever debutant, featuring in just 10 matches before Bayern swooped in with a £24m offer in July 2022.
Since then, Tel has been biding his time in Germany, waiting for the opportunity to make his mark at the highest level.
Learning from Harry Kane
At Bayern, Tel has had the chance to train alongside England captain Harry Kane, whom he views as a major influence on his game.
“He’s a great striker,” Tel said about Kane. “I’m a striker too, so he’s a role model for me. Often, I don’t even have to ask him—he just comes over and gives me advice. He’s helping me a lot.”
This mentorship could prove invaluable as Tel looks to refine his finishing and positioning in the final third.
Why Tel Wants Out
Despite his talent, Tel has struggled for minutes under Bayern manager Vincent Kompany. This season, he has made 13 appearances in all competitions but has yet to score and has registered just one assist.
However, these stats don’t tell the full story. Tel has mostly been used as a late substitute and was even left on the bench for three of Bayern’s last four Bundesliga games. His frustration over limited playing time is a key reason behind his push for a transfer this month.
The Final Stretch
With the clock ticking on the January window, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United are all keen to secure Tel’s services. His versatility, potential, and comparisons to Mbappe make him one of the most intriguing young talents available.
Where will he land? The next few days could determine his future—and potentially reshape a Premier League club’s attack for years to come.