Latest developments
- Aston Villa have joined the intense race for Mathys Tel's signature.
- Villa are exploring the market following Jhon Duran's departure.
- Tel is pushing to leave Bayern Munich before deadline day.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (4/5): Romano adds Villa's name to Tel's race
Aston Villa have agreed to sell Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr, and now they are in the market to find his replacement. Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel is being considered as one of the candidates to move to Birmingham.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Villa have made contact to explore the conditions for a potential winter switch.
Value (4/5): Bayern open to different proposals
Tel's desire to leave Munich has softened Bayern's stance, with reports suggesting the Bundesliga giants would listen to offers for a permanent transfer, and that they are also open to a loan exit.
Following Duran's sale, Villa will have plenty of money to spend, and they might make a bid for a permanent switch to beat competition.
Suitability (3.5/5): A different profile to Duran
While Duran impressed with his physicality and ability to bully his centre-backs, the French talent likes to get the better of defenders through his brilliant dribbling and pace.
Should Unai Emery decide to dominate possession more often, Tel could prove to be a better option down the line.
Upgrade? (4/5): Versatile cover
Apart from a big fat cheque, one of the reasons Duran left Villa was a lack of minutes, with Ollie Watkins cementing his place as Emery's first-choice striker.
However, Tel is more versatile, with the ability to play as a striker and left-winger. Accordingly, he is likely to play more minutes than Duran did.
Logic (4/5): Better than other suitors
The likes of Manchester United and Chelsea are also keen on signing Tel. They are certainly lucrative options, but the 19-year-old is leaving Bayern to get more gametime.
As such, moving to Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge is not going to change much in that regard, as both sides are blessed with high-profile forwards, akin to Bayern.
Villa could hand him more opportunities and a more stable environment to showcase his talents.
Whisper+ verdict: 19.5/25
Both logically and financially, Villa appear to be in the driving seat for Tel's signature. However, with Europe's biggest clubs involved, things could change in hours.
