Chelsea’s search for a centre-forward has become the norm in the recent transfer windows. Tel is just the latest name and as much as swap deals are exceedingly complex, on the surface it does look a win-win situation for both clubs.
While Tel’s talent is undisputed — his record at youth level for France is exceptional and he became Bayern’s youngest ever goal scorer (17 years and 126 days) when he hit the net in a cup game just a few weeks after his €20m switch from Rennes in the summer of 2022 — he has struggled to make a consistent mark for the German giants. One reason for that is obviously the presence of Harry Kane as a No. 9, another being the perpetual dilemma over his future position: will he ever mould into an out-and-out centre-forward? Or does is he intrinsically a winger (as his heatmap suggests)? At only 19, such considerations are part of a player’s natural development but it’s problematic when a lack of playing time is thrown into the equation.
Whether he’d see more minutes in an abundant Chelsea frontline is another question, but if coach Enzo Maresca feels he can rely on Tel and the player responds, the move could be a stroke of genius. The Frenchman has everything in the locker to become one of the top forwards in European football. He’s wonderfully athletic — strong and fast with the acceleration to stretch defences. He also has excellent control and excels in attacking 1v1s through bursts or dribbling.
There’s a reason why his youth performances drew comparisons to Kylian Mbappe, but those impressive skills have only been witnessed in flashes at senior level. A change of environment to build confidence can prove wonders though. If (and it’s a big “if”) Maresca can reinvigorate the teenager, they might well have a €100m player on their hands.
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Gab & Juls not convinced Kvaratskhelia is a smart signing for PSG
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens question if Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, another winger, is a smart signing for PSG.
OTHER RUMORS
– Tottenham have submitted an offer to sign PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani, 26, on loan with an option to move permanently in the summer. (L’Equipe)
– Florentino Perez will hold a “crisis meeting” with Carlo Ancelotti and director general José Ángel Sánchez over the next few days to discuss how to respond to Real Madrid’s 5-2 Supercopa defeat to Barcelona. According to the newspaper, Madrid will “reconsider” whether to move in the January transfer market, while top target Trent Alexander-Arnold “is still alive” as an option. (Marca)
– Madrid are now actively considering January signings, while underperforming midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is “in the eye of the hurricane” and could move on, with Liverpool interested next summer. (AS)
– AC Milan and Inter Milan want to sign Manchester City defender Kyle Walker, 34, and the club could allow him to depart for free. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
– Liverpool could use winger Ben Doak, whose transfer is valued at £30m, as a makeweight in a £50m deal to sign Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo. (Northern Echo)
– Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia, 25, could leave on a loan this month after struggling with injury issues. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Tottenham are keen on Lecce full-back Patrick Dorgu but face competition from Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool. (Caught Offside)
– Chelsea are eyeing a move for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens and he could move in the summer if the German giants miss out on Champions League qualification. (GMS)
– Juventus are the latest club to take an interest in Empoli attacking midfielder Tino Anjorin. Napoli have already made a move for the 23-year-old with the view to bringing him in ahead of next season, while Atalanta also like the former Chelsea player a lot. (Calciomercato)
– Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka will depart on loan this month, with Borussia Dortmund and Strasbourg interested. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Nottingham Forest could let striker Emmanuel Dennis leave this month, with clubs in the Championship, Serie A and LaLiga showing interest. (Sky Sports)
– Galatasaray and West Ham are looking at a loan move for struggling Marseille striker Elye Wahi, with the option of a permanent deal in the summer. (L’Equipe)
– Palmeiras are hoping to sign Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira. The Brazilian club have made a €20m offer to Fulham and have agreed personal terms with Pereira’s entourage, but have yet to see their bid accepted by the club. (Globoesporte)
