Chelsea might supposedly 'pursue' Mathys Tel if Tottenham opts against securing him permanently this summer, and it's possible that Spurs could have no influence whatsoever.
This line alone is enough to spark speculation. Imagine the headlines: “Blues circle as Spurs decide Tel future.” But the truth beneath the tabloid splash is even juicier.
Chelsea eyeing a teenage French forward on loan at their North London rivals? That’s headline fodder especially with Jurgen Klopp and Pochettino no longer on the site.
Tel signed with Spurs on a six-month loan in January, with the north London club having the option to secure his transfer permanently for £45 million. His winter destination was uncertain after he initially declined Tottenham but ultimately agreed to the transfer.
That twist initially rejecting Tottenham adds spice. Teenagers don’t usually turn down Premier League loans unless they feel there’s a bigger stage. And indeed, Tel’s decision to snub Spurs first hinted at ambition maybe even bigger eyes on Stamford Bridge or a return to Bayern.
Since that time, the forward has netted only two goals in 10 matches, but the management of the north London club reportedly acknowledges that he arrived during a challenging phase.
Two goals in ten games isn’t rotten but it isn’t telegraphing the £45m price tag, either. And those ten appearances included turbulent matches injuries in the squad, new systems under Antonio Conte, and a dressing room in transition. Not your ideal integration after a Germany stint.
At the moment, it appears uncertain whether they will sign him, and as per GIVEMESPORT, Chelsea is prepared to step in if they don't.
That’s where the story pivots: will Tottenham press their option or leave the door ajar? Leave it ajar Chelsea might storm in. The north London club have, for once, something Chelsea want. And the Blues have resources, a need, and a sense of timing few can match.
It is said they ‘might pursue’ Tel if he departs Tottenham, as their enduring interest continues following early discussions for the Bayern Munich striker.
I’m hearing from inside Cobham that Tel has always intrigued Chelsea. They see raw speed, directness, and a young man who could learn under the guidance of veterans like Sterling or Silva. A front three with Jackson, Palmer, and Tel? Fans are already drawing parallels to old-school wing speed from players like Zola and Duff.
Chelsea view Tel as a suitable player for Stamford Bridge, as he is a right-footed winger who is at ease on the left side, according to the report.
That right-to-left inversion is something Thomas Tuchel flirted with last year Kai Havertz on the right, Werner up top... Tel fits that mold. He cuts inside, offloads passes, and has the kind of low-cutting runs that tore apart defences in Munich.
The report indicates that retaining him at Tottenham 'would remove any possibility of him moving across the capital'. Nonetheless, although Spurs have the option to acquire Tel, a recent report indicated they may not be able to exercise it.
This twist “might not be able to” line changes Tottenham from gatekeeper to spectator. Some inside Spurs whisper that the way their loan deal was structured, Tel could technically return to Bayern if certain triggers kick in. And if that happens, Spurs lose out even if they had the money.
The Club World Cup starts before the forward's first contract with Tottenham expires, but it has been confirmed that there will be a transfer window beforehand for teams to get ready for the competition.
The timing is key. The Club World Cup is December before late loans expire. Clubs often finalize their squads in October. So when Tel’s loan is technically up in June, this interim window means Bayern could recall him mid-year and stash him briefly in Munich before sending him out again.
During that window, it has been reported that Bayern is contemplating reuniting with all of their players currently on loan.
That could include Musiala, Richards, Tillman... and Tel. Bayern’s management have hinted at wanting more depth for their youth pool. Keeping their loan stars close makes sense especially ahead of potential Champions League runs.
If that occurs, Tottenham would be unable to activate their option, and during the summer's second transfer window, Tel might be open for any other teams to acquire.
So imagine Tel briefly returning, Bayern assessing, then allowing him to find a new home and that home could be Chelsea, Liverpool, or even overseas. And Tottenham? They’d be left looking, like a kid who put money on a horse that didn’t finish the race.
Certainly, Bayern might just be recalling Tel to provide depth for the Club World Cup, and could subsequently release him once more. While Tottenham might potentially acquire him at that point, they would be at an equal advantage with other teams, like Chelsea.
One scenario: it’s all administrative Tel lands back in Bavaria, packs squad bags, then bolts out again. But in the interim, Tottenham’s special clause lapses—and they aren’t first in line anymore.
If Chelsea do make a move for Tel, it won’t just be about filling a gap on the wing it’ll be a reflection of how the club wants to evolve post-Pochettino. For years now, there’s been talk around Stamford Bridge about finding a true modern-day wide threat someone who doesn’t just hug the touchline and whip it in, but one who can cut inside, beat a man, and scare the life out of defenders.
Tel fits that mould in flashes, but he’s still raw. Anyone who watched him in the Bundesliga knows he’s not the finished article far from it. But he’s got that thing you can’t teach: unpredictability. His pace isn’t just speed it’s timing, timing that throws defenders off balance. He doesn’t move like your typical academy product.
There’s a sort of street-football vibe about him. A bit like when Callum Hudson-Odoi first broke through direct, unpolished, fearless. But Tel also seems more composed. More purposeful.
And the age thing matters. Chelsea’s board has spent the last 18 months obsessed with building a young core not just for the future, but because it’s cheaper and gives them sell-on value. But Tel isn’t just an asset.
He’s a statement, A 19-year-old with top-level experience, Champions League exposure, and the kind of mentality that made Bayern throw him in the deep end so early? That’s not just about “building potential.” That’s betting on character.
There’s also the emotional side of this move something Chelsea fans will relate to. The club’s identity, ever since the days of Robben and Duff, has been built on wingers who create moments out of nothing.
For a long time now, that part of Chelsea’s DNA has been missing. The current squad has talent, no doubt.
Palmer has been exceptional, Sterling’s had flashes, and Noni Madueke is still finding his feet but fans still crave that chaos factor the kind of player who doesn’t play safe, who makes you rise from your seat before the ball even reaches him.
Tel could be that guy. Or he could just be another talented kid lost in the shuffle of a bloated squad. And that’s where the real gamble lies.
From a footballing standpoint, there’s a lot to consider. Tel prefers the left but has played off the right too which works for Chelsea if they want to rotate him with Madueke or use him as a backup striker when Jackson needs a rest.
He’s also got the kind of work rate Pochettino wanted, and Maresca will likely demand chasing down defenders, tracking back when needed. He’s no luxury player. He grinds. He’s gritty.
The only major question is consistency. At Spurs, he showed glimpses but two goals in ten games isn’t exactly knocking the door down. Then again, that’s a Spurs team that was playing patchwork football at times.
Tel wasn’t given the kind of rhythm young players need. And to be fair, not many 19-year-olds settle into the Premier League in half a season. Kai Havertz didn’t. Jadon Sancho didn’t. Even Antony, who cost over £80m, still hasn't. So judging Tel too harshly now would be shortsighted.
The irony is, Spurs might end up regretting this. Not just for letting him slip away, but for letting Chelsea of all clubs swoop in. North London to West London it’s a move that always stings. Just ask Arsenal fans about Petr Čech.
There’s also the Bayern angle. If they recall Tel, even just to assess him in pre-season or pad the squad for the Club World Cup, it resets everything. And from what’s being whispered out of Munich, they’re genuinely torn.
On one hand, they know he needs regular minutes and with Harry Kane smashing records and Leroy Sané still in the picture, it’s hard to guarantee that in Bavaria.
Tel is one of those players they don’t want to lose control of entirely. So another loan, maybe with a buy-back clause, could be in the cards.
Chelsea would be smart to pounce in that window between Bayern’s recall and their final squad planning.
If they wait until August, others will come sniffing likely some from France, maybe even PSG if they lose another forward. That’s why things need to move fast.
From a fan’s perspective, this whole story already feels familiar. The classic Chelsea move spot an undervalued talent, cut the queue, and bring him in before anyone else makes their mind up.
Sometimes it works out brilliantly like Michael Essien or César Azpilicueta. Other times, well, you end up with Danny Drinkwater. But that’s football.
What makes this different is the timing. Chelsea aren’t desperate. They’re not short of players. They just see an opportunity and after missing out on some top prospects in the past two years (think Gvardiol, Caicedo’s initial delay, and Olise), they won’t want to hesitate again.
And let’s be honest: if Tel puts on that Chelsea shirt next season, Stamford Bridge will buzz. Fans love a young, fearless winger.
Especially one who’s just crossed the divide from a rival. It’s the stuff proper football stories are made of.