Chelsea transfer update: Key January target 'to have future assessed' with Enzo Maresca keen on forward

Chelsea have reportedly been handed a boost in their pursuit of Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel, whose situation in Germany will be assessed in the next days.

The Blues were beaten 3-1 by Manchester City on Saturday evening in the Premier League, succumbing to their fifth defeat of the league season.

Manager Enzo Maresca has come under criticism in recent weeks, with his side dropping points in six of their last seven games in the league.

Cole Palmer has scored three goals in his last eight matches in the Premier League, while striker Nicolas Jackson has not scored in his last seven.

Fabrizio Romano reports that Chelsea may have the opportunity to sign Bayern attacker Tel, as while the player would prefer to fight for a place at the German club, the Bundesliga side are set to assess their own stance on his potential departure in the near future.

Would Tel help Maresca reverse Chelsea's fortunes?

Chelsea looked like they were making substantial progress under Maresca, but their poor form of late means they are now sixth in the table with 40 points and face a battle to qualify for the Champions League.

An attacking signing could help boost their season, but it remains to be seen whether Tel is ready to make an immediate impact given his lack of playing time.

The 19-year-old has only featured eight times, starting two matches in the Bundesliga this term, and has not made an appearance in his side's last three games.

Chelsea's hierarchy could point to the fact that Palmer had not played much football under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City yet was able to almost immediately establish himself as one of the league's finest attackers.

However, development is not linear, and it would be surprising if the Blues had similar success on the pitch should Tel's potential transfer materialise.

Should Chelsea address other areas first?

The Blues are also reportedly interested in the signature of Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, and it seems like they are prioritising strengthening in the forward line.

Considering the club were forced to recall centre-back Trevor Chalobah from loan after suffering an injury crisis in the backline, it is perhaps odd that they have not been linked with more defensive targets.

Maresca's side have conceded 15 times in their nine most recent league fixtures, and no other team in the top seven of the Premier League have shipped more.

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez made a significant error against Manchester City that allowed Erling Haaland to score last weekend, but the Blues look like they will continue to trust Sanchez between the posts.

The 2024-25 season can still be a positive one for Maresca and Chelsea, but unless they reinforce their backline, it is difficult to say that they will qualify for the Champions League.