Chelsea appear set for a significant reshuffle of their attacking department before the transfer window closes, with Marc Guiu edging closer to a departure from Stamford Bridge amid interest from several European clubs.
According to reports, the 20-year-old forward is currently considering three separate offers, with suitors in Italy, Spain and Germany all keen on securing his services either through a loan move or a permanent transfer. Napoli have emerged as the frontrunners, reportedly pushing for an outright deal for the young striker.
Guiu arrived at Chelsea from Barcelona for a fee in the region of £5million last year, having progressed through the famed La Masia academy. Despite limited opportunities in west London, his current valuation stands at approximately £25million. Last season, he managed three goals in 16 appearances across all competitions for the Blues, but has struggled to establish himself as a regular under previous management.
The situation has become even clearer under new head coach Xabi Alonso, who does not appear to view Guiu as part of his first-team setup for the upcoming campaign. Tellingly, the striker was not even handed a squad number ahead of Chelsea's Premier League opener against Fulham on Monday night, a strong indication that the club expects him to move on before the window shuts.
Guiu's potential exit is part of a broader effort by Chelsea to streamline their forward options as Alonso shapes his squad for the season ahead. The Blues are reportedly willing to part with multiple attackers, including Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap, as the new manager looks to establish clarity in his attacking ranks.
Jackson has attracted attention from a number of clubs, with Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid both said to be monitoring his situation. Delap, who joined from Ipswich Town last year, is also drawing interest from several Premier League and European sides, including Everton, Nottingham Forest, and his former club Ipswich. Notably, Ipswich are understood to have negotiated a sell-on clause as part of last year's transfer agreement, meaning they could benefit financially should Delap leave Chelsea this summer.
With these potential departures on the horizon, Chelsea's attacking hierarchy for the new season is becoming increasingly defined around Joao Pedro. The Brazilian forward, who joined from Brighton last summer, has impressed since his arrival and has been rewarded with a lucrative new contract extending through 2034. The deal reportedly includes improved terms and a pay increase, reflecting the club's confidence in him as a central figure moving forward.
Joao Pedro has also taken over the number 9 shirt, previously worn by Delap last season, further signaling his status as Chelsea's first-choice striker heading into the new campaign. Delap has since switched to the number 12 jersey.
As the transfer deadline approaches, Chelsea's business in the final week is likely to shape the composition of their attacking unit for the months ahead. With Alonso keen to trim the squad and focus on players who fit his tactical vision, further departures beyond Guiu, Jackson, and Delap cannot be ruled out.
The coming days promise to be pivotal for Chelsea as they finalize their roster, with all eyes on whether Guiu's move to Napoli or elsewhere materializes before the deadline passes.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport (standard-football).