Mathys Tel's future remains up in the air heading into the final day of the January transfer window, and it will be fascinating to see where the Bayern Munich forward ends up.
There is no getting away from the fact that it has been a disappointing season for the 19-year-old, only contributing one assist in 14 appearances in all competitions, and he was left out of the squad against Holstein Kiel on Saturday.
Tel showed his quality last season, scoring 10 goals and registering six assists in 41 appearances, but the opportunities have just not been there this term, and he could be a high-profile departure on deadline day.
"We're talking a lot with him," Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund said on Saturday. "A lot's been going on with the young lad in the past few days. He's only 19. We decided together with him yesterday that there's a lot on his mind, so it makes no sense for him to be involved today.
"That was discussed very openly with him. But that doesn't mean anything. There's a lot going on right now. Lots of clubs are interested in Mathys. He just needs to think about things today and tomorrow."
After the match, when asked whether Tel could stay, Freund told Sky Deutschland: "That is absolutely realistic. Mathys is extremely connected to the club. He loves being here. It's quite possible that he will still be a Bayern Munich player on Tuesday."
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Deadline day 2025: Arsenal, Chelsea, Man United 'all interested' in Tel
Tottenham Hotspur had a €60m (£50m) bid accepted for Tel at the end of last week, but the forward informed the North London club that he was not interested in joining them.
Manchester United then appeared to take the lead, with Tel believed to have told Bayern that he wants to join the Red Devils.
However, on Sunday night, it was reported that a move to Old Trafford had 'collapsed', with Man United and Bayern unable to agree on the details surrounding what would likely have been an initial loan.
It is believed that Bayern were insisting on a purchase option being included, but Man United have not been able to make the numbers work, and at this stage, it looks like a switch to Ruben Amorim's side is off the table.
Chelsea are long-term admirers of Tel, with the Blues linked with his services over the summer, but Enzo Maresca's side are believed to be behind Arsenal when it comes to the race for the Frenchman.
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Arsenal 'emerging as the favourites' for Tel deal
Arsenal supporters could be about to get the forward that they have been demanding this month, with the Gunners thought to be currently pushing to secure his signature.
Mikel Arteta's side recorded an eye-catching 5-1 win over Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, but they are short of a centre-forward, and while Tel is not a number nine, he would provide another option in that area of the field.
Tel's performances this season have largely been disappointing, but he has not been given much of a chance, and it is believed that he is looking for a guarantee of regular action when it comes to joining a new club.
Whether Arsenal can provide that remains to be seen, but on deadline day, the North London club are currently in pole position to complete what would be a statement deal considering the interest in the teenager.
Matt Law
