Arsenal transfer target Mathys Tel is travelling to North London ahead of a deadline day move, but it may not be good news for the Gunners.
It comes as Mikel Arteta has been pushing to add a new forward to his ranks, with transfer deadline day offering little time to get a move over the line.
Arsenal Insider understands that the hierarchy at the Emirates Stadium won’t just settle for more bodies through the door, preferring quality over quantity, with a player who can improve the options available.
As a result, plenty of names have been linked, with the latest being Mathys Tel, who Arsenal made contact for with Bayern Munich.
The 19-year-old appeared likely to leave Bavaria, though where his next destination was has been something of a mystery.
Arsenal have been competing with rivals Tottenham and Manchester United for his signature, but a deal appears close.
Mathys Tel set to snub Arsenal for Tottenham move
Tel turned down a transfer to Tottenham earlier in the transfer window, while a switch to Manchester United appeared increasingly unlikely.
With that in mind, the door appeared open for Arsenal to make a swoop for the Frenchman in the final hours of the market.
A U-turn on his future may change that though as Florian Plettenberg reports that Tel is now on his way to join Tottenham.
Reports from Sky Sports Germany claimed that he is currently travelling to north London for the switch to be confirmed.
It comes as a potential blow to Arsenal unless they can somehow hijack that move in the final hours of the window.
With little time left to operate, the Gunners may well have to end the market without any forward additions.
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Arsenal face transfer mistake with Mathys Tel move
Arsenal have been screaming out for a striker over the past four transfer windows but are yet to address that need.
A move for Tel may well have been a temporary fix for the long-term issue that needs looking at in the summer, but it could help boost the side’s chances this season.
That said, there would’ve been plenty of risk on Arsenal’s behalf for a straight loan for a player without a buy option – as is the case with the Tottenham deal.
Tel is yet to score a goal this season in 14 appearances across all competitions for Bayern Munich and while minutes have been limited, all of the risk would be on the loan club to develop him with those minutes.
That could change in his next move but for Arsenal and the current options at their disposal, landing someone with little experience may not be the best move.
Not least following the return of Ethan Nwaneri, while in one month there will be a return for Bukayo Saka from injury.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will make their move for another striker or wide option before the window closes.
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