Why Arsenal lead Chelsea in Mathys Tel transfer race as Bayern Munich 'surprise' Mikel Arteta

Arsenal appear to have dented Chelsea's hopes of signing Mathys Tel before the January transfer window slams shut on Monday evening. The 19-year-old forward has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this month, as Enzo Maresca looks to bolster his frontline.

Earlier this month, Tel emerged as a target for the Blues. football.london understands that Chelsea made contact with Bayern Munich over a potential deal for the France Under-21 international, who's started just twice in the Bundesliga this season.

The west Londoners, who have long admired Tel, asked the Bavarians if he would be available to sign, following an initial enquiry last summer. football.london understands Chelsea did not, however, discuss or offer Christopher Nkunku as part of a swap deal despite Bayern's interest.

Unfortunately for the Blues, they don't appear to be the only club chasing Tel's signature. According to The Independent, Arsenal are 'investigating a move' for the Bayern youngster, with Mikel Arteta eager to strengthen his attacking options this month.

The report states that Tel was already on the Gunners' radar, but higher-ups were left 'surprised' when they heard that he's become available. It's said that the German giants want to keep the Frenchman, who sees his contract at the Allianz Arena expire in June 2029.

The Independent adds that Tel would be 'very open' to joining Arsenal due to the club's current status and possibility for game time. However, the latter is not the case with Chelsea, who have numerous options in the forward positions.

Earlier this month, Max Eberl was quizzed on Tel's future. In an interview with German outlet SPOX on Thursday, the Bayern 'board member for sport' revealed he plans to help the teenager find his feet once again after a rocky start to the season.

"It's also up to us to give him the time to find his freedom again. Then we have a squad that is sufficiently equipped in terms of quantity and quality. We have no interest in doing anything [in January]."

Christoph Freund has also insisted Tel has a future at the club. Recently speaking to reporters, the Bayern sporting director said: "Mathys Tel is a very important player for us. We are in very good contact because he’s a great talent and should play an important role for us.

"We have had many discussions. Our clear goal is for Mathys to make his breakthrough with us. We are very happy with our squad, quality and quantity wise. Of course if a player is unhappy, we can talk about it. Our clear plan with Mathys is for him to make his breakthrough here."

Join the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel

Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london's dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!

By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.

To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!

If you're curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.