Chelsea transfer news: Blues 'open doors' over Marc Guiu, determine specific conditions over future

Chelsea have reportedly determined how they want to handle the short-term future of Marc Guiu.

When signing from Barcelona last summer, Guiu wanted the opportunity to make an impact at Stamford Bridge, rather than go out on loan.

Despite missing over three months of the campaign through injury, the 19-year-old was still able to rack up 16 appearances and 619 minutes in all competitions.

Six goals - all in the Conference League - were scored during that period, and the Spanish prospect featured twice during the group stages of the Club World Cup.

However, the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro have pushed Guiu down the pecking order, realistically to fourth while Nicolas Jackson remains at the club.

Chelsea take Guiu stance

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea intend to loan out Guiu for the 2025-26 campaign, albeit with specific conditions.

Most notably, the West Londoners want to send Guiu to an English club, presumably a Premier League team where he will earn regular minutes.

Furthermore, Chelsea are not prepared to include a buy option in any deal, the plan remaining for Guiu to eventually become a key player in Enzo Maresca's squad.

At this point in his career, Guiu has only accumulated 801 minutes in senior football for Barcelona and Chelsea, there being an obvious need for more starts and opportunities.

Why keeping Guiu in England makes sense for Chelsea

From a regulation standpoint, Chelsea have to be picky when it comes to using their six foreign loan spots, three of which being used by Strasbourg.

With Mike Penders, Mamadou Sarr and Kendry Paez to be confirmed as Strasbourg players in due course, it leaves the Premier League side with minimal other opportunities. One of the other three spots is expected to go to Aaron Anselmino.

Nevertheless, Chelsea officials will be intrigued to see how Guiu handles the physically of English football on a weekly basis, particularly when Maresca was prepared to use the player in the Premier League during 2024-25.

From Guiu's perspective, it remains to be seen whether he will be prepared to play in the Championship. Ipswich Town have previously been linked without getting a deal over the line.

Chelsea will want a team that are prepared to make Guiu their first or second-choice frontman, and opportunities in the top flight will be assessed first.