Nkunku-Tel swap deal: Bayern negotiates for Chelsea's €61 million striker

Bayern's 19-year old forward, Mathys Tel, could be headed to Chelsea in shock swap move.

French forward Christopher Nkunku is reportedly considering a move away from Chelsea, with Bayern Munich emerging as a potential destination.

According to Florian Plettenberg, journalist renowned for breaking transfer news, Nkunku has informed Chelsea of his desire to leave the club and has reached personal terms with the German champions.

The deal could involve Bayern's young striker Mathys Tel heading to Chelsea in exchange, but several complexities remain.

Nkunku's time at Chelsea has been underwhelming, with the 25-year-old managing just 1180 minutes across 28 games in all competitions. Chelsea originally signed Nkunku from German club RB Leipzig for a reported €61 million.

Despite his limited playing time, Nkunku is currently Chelsea’s joint-top goalscorer in all competitions, with 13. His frustrations over limited playing time have fueled his desire for a fresh start.

 

 

 

 

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Bayern Munich, seeking to bolster their attacking options, view Nkunku as a valuable addition. However, the potential swap hinges on whether Tel agrees to the move, as the 18-year-old has expressed a preference to remain in Munich and fight for his place.

The financial aspect of the deal adds another layer of complexity. Nkunku, represented by Pini Zahavi’s agency, earns €18 million per season at Chelsea, a figure that poses a challenge for Bayern as they manage ongoing contract negotiations with key players like Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, and Alphonso Davies.

Meanwhile, Tel's salary at Chelsea is expected to be significantly lower, around €4-5 million per season. This disparity could influence Bayern’s valuation of the deal.

Tel, despite his immense potential, has struggled to secure regular playing time at Bayern, making just two starts this season. Bayern envisioned him as a capable backup for Harry Kane, but his performances have been inconsistent.

 

 

 

 

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Bayern Munich’s sporting director, Max Eberl, recently emphasized that Tel remains part of their plans, though the club now appears open to a swap deal.

Reports suggest Tel’s inverted forward playing style has not aligned with Bayern's preference for a traditional No. 9, making Nkunku a more suitable option.

The proposed exchange reflects the broader ambitions of both clubs.

Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, are eager to add depth to their attacking lineup, while Bayern seeks to optimise their squad for domestic and European competitions. The transfer could provide Nkunku with the opportunity to revitalize his career and allow Tel to unlock his potential in a new environment.

As negotiations continue, the outcome will depend on resolving financial discrepancies and Tel’s willingness to make the move. If successful, the deal could reshape the attacking dynamics of both Chelsea and Bayern Munich, providing a fresh start for two talented players.