Mathys Tel to Arsenal transfer decision makes no sense as Harry Kane concern raised

Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly investigating a move for Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel - with both clubs in need of a striker to bolster their attacking options.

The Independent argue that there's an issue over whether a loan with an option to buy is possible. Tottenham and Manchester United are also reportedly interested, although it's said that fewer clubs would be interested if it's just a straight loan without an option to buy.

It's a stance which makes sense if the 19-year-old excels during his loan spell before returning to his parent club, with Bayern possibly being able to demand a huge fee if he were to eventually leave on a permanent deal. The Gunners are in desperate need of a striker with Gabriel Jesus' injury leaving Mikel Arteta's side with no options up front aside from versatile Germany forward Kai Havertz.

Chelsea's situation is less immediate with the Blues having Nicolas Jackson, although the Senegal international's goal-scoring touch has deserted him in recent weeks. The 23-year-old has not scored since the 2-1 victory against Brentford on December 15.

For Bayern, though, the situation makes little sense, anyway. Letting Tel leave would leave them vulnerable with Harry Kane the only natural No.9 in their squad.

Vincent Kompany has stuck with the ex-Tottenham striker all season with Tel getting very few chances to play. The Frenchman has made just 13 appearances for the Bundesliga giants so far in 2024/25 and that will have played a key role in him, seemingly, looking for opportunities elsewhere.

But Bayern are just one Kane injury or ban away from being striker-less. With Kompany's men still in the Champions League and chasing a Bundesliga title, letting Tel depart would leave them exposed.

Age is also a factor, with Kane now 31, and surely in some need of being rested, especially if Bayern wrap up the Bundesliga title early and have to rest their key striker for crucial knockout games in Europe. For Arsenal, though, signing Tel would solve plenty of problems.

Having such a talented player, even just on loan, will give them a focal point to play off. And if that doesn't work out, they can turn to better, more proven options in the summer, such as Alexander Isak or Viktor Gyokeres, with the latter looking more and more likely to leave Sporting CP.

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