Chelsea in talks to sign Barcelona young forward Marc Guiu

Chelsea are in negotiations to sign Barcelona’s Marc Guiu, however, the Catalan club could yet make one last attempt to keep the young striker.

Having decided to opt out of the deal to sign Micheal Olise from Crystal Palace, Chelsea have shift their attention to other players.

Guiu has attracted interest from Chelsea with the Premier League side willing to pay Guiu’s €6 million ($5m) release clause.

While there is interest from other clubs given the low cost of a potential transfer, reports from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano states that Guiu prefers a move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have held positive talks with Guiu. They plan to incorporate him into the first-team squad, not send him out on loan, should he decide to join.

The London club have told Guiu’s camp they are prepared to meet the €6m clause and are now waiting on the forward’s final decision, which is expected this week.

Barça have failed to make progress during contract negotiations with Guiu in recent months, with his existing deal expiring in 2025, but sources did not rule out a final offer in the coming days to try and persuade the 18-year-old forward to stay.

Guiu has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Barça this season, scoring just 23 seconds into his first team debut to help secure a 1-0 win against Athletic Club last October.

He also netted in the Catalonia club Champions League loss to Antwerp. However, he ended the season playing regularly for the B team as they pushed for promotion to the second tier of Spanish football.

Guiu progressed through Barcelona academy and has spent the last eleven years representing the club at all levels.