Chelsea forward Marc Guiu is allegedly attracting surprise interest from a relegated Premier League club.
On Wednesday night, Guiu made his return from a near four-month absence as he was introduced as a late substitute during the 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the Conference League final.
The cameo appearance was reward for the 19-year-old after he netted six goals during the League Phase of the competition, accumulating important minutes in his development.
However, it remains to be seen whether he will remain as a first-team player at Stamford Bridge for 2025-26 with the Blues seemingly closing on the signing of Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap.
While the Englishman is plausibly viewed as a replacement for Christopher Nkunku, it would essentially mean that the prospect remains as third choice in Enzo Maresca's pecking order.
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Loan option emerges for Guiu
According to The Guardian, Ipswich are looking to take advantage of the situation by trying to loan the former Barcelona starlet.
The Tractor Boys have suffered relegation back to the Championship after finishing in 19th place in the Premier League table and will require an alternative to Delap.
Playing under Kieran McKenna will be viewed as an attractive option by players of a certain profile, yet the report alleges that Guiu currently has little interest in signing for Ipswich.
That stance may only change should Chelsea go out and sign two forwards, rather than just one, with Guiu at a stage where he requires regular minutes.
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Would Guiu be right to turn down Ipswich?
Having already made 21 appearances for Barcelona and Chelsea during the early phase of his professional career, Guiu's long-term ambitions do not involve a temporary stint in East Anglia.
On the flip side, Guiu knows that he needs to improve on the 761 minutes of senior football that he currently has under his belt.
Realistically-speaking, that can be achieved in any of European football's top divisions, rather than dropping down into the second tier of English football.
His immediate future is unlikely to be decided anytime soon, the expectation being that he will feature in the squad for the upcoming Club World Cup.
Darren Plant
