After talks came to a halt on Sunday, Manchester United’s attempt to acquire Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich is at a standstill.
The France international who turned down Tottenham on Friday is still in the running to sign with Arsenal.
The 19-year-old’s desire to join United was encouraged, but they have been unable to reach an agreement with Bayern on a loan agreement and terms of payment, and a settlement is now seen as “unlikely.”
Christopher Nkunku of Chelsea is still a target for United, but it is regarded as challenging at this point, and other possibilities are being studied.
United had previously ruled out a deal for Villa’s Leon Bailey, but they have now agreed to let Marcus Rashford join Aston Villa on loan with a £40 million buyout option.
With numerous Premier League teams among the teams who have expressed interest in the £50 million Frenchman, Tel has been at the center of one of the most noteworthy stories of the January transfer window.
With rival Premier League teams clamoring for their attention, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was reportedly in Bavaria to “accelerate talks” for the France international.
The decision follows the rumored trip to Munich by Spurs’ technical director Johan Lange on Wednesday to watch Tel play for Bayern in their Champions League victory over Slovan Bratislava, where he initiated talks.
Tel’s choice to leave Bayern after losing favor with manager Vincent Kompany was influenced by his playing time, which has been crucial in determining his next employer.
Given that Rashford and possibly Alejandro Garnacho will be leaving before tomorrow’s deadline, United seems to be able to provide this.
Ruben Amorim, who has been burdened with two remnants of the Erik ten Hag regime during his early tenure at Old Trafford, is also still struggling with firepower up front.
Amorim decided to use Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine in Sunday’s 2-0 home loss to Crystal Palace, leaving Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund on the bench.
Tel’s signing would probably push the front duo further down the rankings, but because United and Bayern are unable to reach an agreement, a trade currently seems improbable.
In his first 83 games, Tel has scored 16 goals.