Chelsea's interest in former academy star Jamal Musiala has intensified as the 21-year-old's contract negotiations with Bayern Munich reach an impasse according to Football Insider. The German international, who departed Chelsea's youth setup in 2019, has caught the attention of several European powerhouses while his future at the Bundesliga champions remains uncertain.
The Blues find themselves in a rough patch, going winless in their last four Premier League outings since their 2-1 triumph over Brentford in mid-December.
A string of disappointing results, including defeats to Fulham and Ipswich Town, along with draws against Everton and most recently Crystal Palace to begin 2025, has manager Enzo Maresca looking to strengthen his attacking options.
Despite having Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Jadon Sancho in their ranks, Chelsea's pursuit of Musiala signals their intent to add more firepower.
Musiala's impact at Bayern
Since joining Bayern Munich, Musiala has developed into an exceptional talent, establishing himself as a crucial player for both club and country. His numbers speak volumes - 57 goals and 37 assists in close to 200 appearances for Bayern.
The attacking midfielder's current season has been particularly impressive, contributing 14 goals and six assists in 22 matches, with nine goals coming in the Bundesliga alone.
The young star's contract situation at Bayern has hit a snag, with his current deal running until 2026. Disagreements over wages, contract duration, and release clause terms have complicated negotiations, opening the door for potential suitors.
European giants circle
Chelsea's pursuit faces stiff competition from several elite clubs. Manchester City views Musiala as a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne, while Liverpool and Arsenal maintain active interest. Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have also joined the chase, monitoring the situation closely.
Musiala's potential return to Stamford Bridge, where he once played alongside current Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, would significantly boost their attacking prowess. His 20 goal contributions this season would already rank him as Chelsea's most productive player, surpassing Cole Palmer's 19.
However, reports indicate Musiala's preference might lean towards Spain, complicating Chelsea's efforts to secure his signature. The West London club must move decisively if they hope to bring their former academy product back to English shores, as the competition for his services continues to grow among Europe's elite clubs.