In a transfer saga that is quickly becoming the talk of the winter window, Paris FC have reportedly made Tottenham Hotspur attacker Mathys Tel their "absolute dream transfer target." As of Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the ambitious Ligue 1 club—now backed by the billionaire Arnault family and the Red Bull group—is prepared to fight until the final seconds of Deadline Day to bring the Frenchman home.
The Breaking Point: Omitted from the Champions League
The move has gained significant traction following a "brutal" decision by Spurs manager Thomas Frank. On Monday, it was confirmed that Tel has been left out of Tottenham's Champions League squad to make room for the returning Dominic Solanke.
Second Time Unlucky: This is the second time this season Tel has been axed from the European roster.
The Fallout: Reports from Fabrizio Romano and L'Equipe suggest that Tel’s camp is "furious and disheartened" by the decision.
The World Cup Dream: With the 2026 World Cup just months away, the 20-year-old is desperate for regular minutes to catch the eye of Didier Deschamps—minutes he isn't getting in North London.
Paris FC's "Number Nine" Pitch
While PSG and other European giants have circled Tel in the past, Paris FC offers a unique "selling point" that could tip the scales:
The Preferred Position: Tel has long been frustrated by being played as a winger. PFC have reportedly promised him the No. 9 role as the focal point of their attack.
The Marco Neppe Factor: Paris FC director Marco Neppe was one of the key figures who brought Tel to Bayern Munich years ago. The strong personal relationship between the two is a major advantage for the French side.
The "New Power" Project: Backed by the Arnault family (LVMH), Paris FC are no longer a "small" club. Signing Tel would be a massive statement of intent as they look to challenge PSG's dominance in the capital.
The Verdict: While Tottenham are currently blocking the move due to a lack of squad depth, the player's unhappiness could force their hand. If Paris FC can convince Spurs to let him go on a straight loan, this could be the most significant deal in the "New Paris FC" history.