Chelsea in advanced negotiations to sign 18-year-old Spanish striker, Blues set to pay €6 million release clause: Reports
Chelsea are reportedly closing in on the signing of Barcelona forward Marc Guiu. The Blues are bolstering their attack this summer and will continue targeting young talents.
Spanish journalist Gerard Romero reports that Guiu is set to leave Barca and join Enzo Maresca's west Londoners. The transfer is advanced, and the Premier League giants will pay the Spanish teenager's €6 million release clause.
Guiu has impressed for Barcelona Atletic with six goals and four assists in 16 games across competitions. He earned a call-up to the Blaugrana's senior team and scored two goals, one in La Liga and one in the UEFA Champions League.
Chelsea faced competition from Bayern Munich for Guiu's signature but look to have leapfrogged the Bundesliga giants. The Catalans' higher-ups want to keep the Spanish youngster and had discussed contract negotiations, per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Guiu has a year left on his contract, and his low release clause drew the Blues' attention. Barca may struggle to keep hold of their La Masia academy product because of their difficult financial situation.
The Spaniard has been described as a natural No.9 who boasts physical power. He enjoyed a fairytale debut when he came off the bench aged 17 to score the winner in a 1-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao (October 22, 2023).
"He has a spark" - Xavi has already told Chelsea what they're getting from Marc Guiu
Guiu's memorable debut came while Xavi was in charge of the Catalans. The Spanish tactician's bold decision to bring the teenager forward paid off as he grabbed the winner.
Xavi spoke glowingly of Guiu after his heroics against Bilbao and gave an insight into what Chelsea fans can expect if he does arrive at Stamford Bridge. He said (via ESPN):
"Marc is a kid from the academy and he made the difference... I thought of him in that moment because he is a goal scorer, he has a spark and I like him personally."
Guiu could be battling it out with Nicolas Jackson for a starting berth in Maresca's Blues side come next season. They are reportedly also tracking LOSC Lille frontman Jonathan David as they continue their rebuild under their new Italian coach.
The Spain U19 international could offer a different profile and threat than Jackson. The Colombian's versatility often allowed him to play out wide, which could help Maresca as he'll have more options up top.