Manchester United are on the brink of securing a deal for Mathys Tel, with the 19-year-old forward reportedly favoring a move to Old Trafford over interest from Arsenal and other Premier League rivals.
However, the Red Devils still have work to do, as Bayern Munich have yet to accept their loan offer for the highly rated French attacker. With the winter transfer deadline fast approaching, negotiations between United and the German giants remain ongoing.
United have had to fend off competition from multiple top-flight English clubs, with Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Chelsea all making inquiries for the £50 million-rated forward. According to Sky Germany, however, Tel has now given the green light to a move to Manchester, making United his preferred destination. While personal terms have been agreed, the major hurdle remains Bayern’s reluctance to approve a straight loan deal, with the Bundesliga side instead pushing for a permanent transfer or a loan with an obligation to buy.
The key factor in Tel’s decision has been playing time. The youngster has struggled for regular minutes at Bayern under manager Vincent Kompany, prompting him to seek an opportunity where he can establish himself as a key player. United’s recent attacking struggles have opened the door for reinforcements, particularly with Marcus Rashford’s future uncertain and Alejandro Garnacho also linked with a potential exit before the deadline. Tel’s arrival could also impact Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, both of whom were left out of United’s recent defeat to Crystal Palace, where manager Ruben Amorim resorted to deploying Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine.
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Bayern remain firm in their stance, having already rejected United’s initial loan proposal. The German club prefers a sale and previously agreed on a £50 million fee with Tottenham, only for Tel to turn down the move. The forward had been a top target for Spurs, with their chairman traveling to Bavaria to accelerate negotiations. Despite their best efforts, Tel opted against joining Ange Postecoglou’s squad, leaving the door open for other suitors.
The urgency is now on United to strike an agreement with Bayern before the transfer window slams shut. Arsenal, who remain in contact with the Bundesliga champions, could yet re-enter the race should negotiations between United and Bayern stall. With Amorim eager to bolster his attacking options, United’s hierarchy will be keen to avoid another late-window setback in their recruitment plans.
Tel, who joined Bayern from Rennes in 2022 for £25 million, has shown flashes of brilliance despite limited opportunities, netting 16 goals in 83 appearances for the club. If United can finalize the deal in time, the young forward could prove to be a key piece in Amorim’s attacking rebuild as the Red Devils push to salvage their season.
