Football News Update: Chelsea Close to Signing Barcelona Teenager Marc Guiu
In a significant move in the football transfer market, Chelsea are reportedly closing in on the signing of Barcelona teenager Marc Guiu. The 18-year-old striker, who has made seven first-team appearances for the Spanish giants, scoring twice, has a very appealing €6million (£5million) release clause that has attracted the interest of several clubs.
According to reports, Chelsea have emerged as the frontrunners in the race to secure Guiu’s signature, overtaking the interest from Bayern Munich and La Liga rivals Sevilla. The Blues are said to have made a “very attractive offer” to the player, and Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s head coach, has been a driving force in convincing the young Spaniard to join the Premier League club.
Guiu, who plays for the Spain Under-19s, is regarded as a player with massive potential, and his impressive performances for Barcelona have caught the attention of several European heavyweights.
The teenager scored the only goal in a La Liga win over Athletic Bilbao last October, and he also found the back of the net in a Champions League victory over Antwerp in December.
Barcelona have been trying to secure a new contract with Guiu, but their current financial situation has made it difficult to reach an agreement. Chelsea, on the other hand, are willing to meet the player’s €6million release clause and are confident that a deal can be finalized soon.
The report suggests that the transfer announcement could come as early as Monday, with the move seen as “one step away” from completion. Fabrizio Romano, a prominent football journalist, also reported on Chelsea and Bayern’s interest in Guiu last Friday, and it appears that the Blues have now accelerated their efforts to sign the talented youngster.
If the transfer is completed, Guiu will join Maresca’s squad at Chelsea and will not be loaned out to Strasbourg, another club owned by Todd Boehly’s consortium.
This move by Chelsea is in line with the club’s strategy of signing promising young talents, as they aim to build a strong and sustainable squad for the future. The acquisition of Guiu would be a significant coup for the Blues, as they continue to strengthen their roster ahead of the upcoming 2024/25 season.
🔗 Source