Chelsea are in talks with Bayern Munich over a swap deal for Christopher Nkunku | football

Chelsea have held initial talks with Bayern Munich over a possible swap deal, including Christopher Nkunku and Mathys Tel.

The Blues are interested in the 19-year-old, who has only started two Bundesliga games for Bayern this season.

The French striker is suffering from fitness issues but is also ranked below Vincent Kompany, having made 12 substitute appearances in the league and only been substituted on five occasions.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Tel has spoken to Kompany and is hoping for a successful future in Bayern, but Chelsea is in limbo.

The report states that the Blues have asked to be informed of Tel’s current availability and that initial discussions have been held regarding a possible swap deal.

According to BILD, Nkunku was one of the Chelsea players who were discussed for a swap.

A deal is still at a very early stage, but discussions have already taken place following initial interest from both clubs.

Nkunku has scored 13 goals for Chelsea this season but his playing time in the Premier League has been limited.

The French international was only included in Enzo Maresca’s starting XI three times, although he was substituted 15 times in the top flight and scored two goals in those 18 games.

The 27-year-old has enjoyed success in other competitions, scoring three goals in two Carabao Cup appearances, one in his only FA Cup game and seven in seven Europa Conference League games.

He has taken advantage of the opportunities that have come his way, but without the reward of many chances in the Premier League starting XI.

Competition for places at Chelsea is fierce and Maresca has claimed otherwise.

“The only thing I have said from the start is that it is difficult to play with so many attacking players,” said the Blues boss. “If Joao (Felix) plays, that means Cole (Palmer) doesn’t play, or if Joao plays, he has to play with Cole, but it depends on the game.”

“For me it’s very simple, we have three players who are more or less similar, Joao and Cole and Christo (Nkunku). Joao played a few games, Christo played, both played against Ipswich, both played against Southampton and Leicester.

“In some games we can play with everyone together, but not in every game.”

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