MUNICH (AP) — Bayern Munich's sporting director Christoph Freund says the German club is planning to keep Mathys Tel, after several media reports linked the French forward with a move to Chelsea. Freund said Tuesday that the 19-year-old Tel was a “very important player” for Bayern and that the club wants to follow a plan for his development.

Chelsea are interested in signing Mathys Tel in January, while Bayern Munich have an agreement in place with Christopher Nkunku.

Bayern Munich have reportedly begun talks with Chelsea regarding the transfer of Christopher Nkunku, all while the two clubs discuss a separate deal involving a move for Bayern's Mathys Tel. Chelsea are open to parting ways with Nkunku and are looking for a transfer fee of around $80 million,