Sources indicate that Chelsea has expressed readiness to meet the €6 million release clause stipulated in Guiu’s contract. Furthermore, there is interest from several other clubs due to the relatively low cost associated with his potential transfer.
Barcelona’s attempts to extend Guiu’s contract have stalled in recent months, with his current deal set to expire in 2025. However, sources have not ruled out Barcelona making a final offer in the coming days to convince the 18-year-old forward to remain at the club.
Chelsea appears to be leading the race for Guiu’s signature and has reportedly had constructive discussions with the player. Should Guiu opt to join Chelsea, the Premier League club plans to integrate him directly into their first-team squad rather than loaning him out.
Sources close to Chelsea have conveyed that the club has communicated its readiness to meet the €6 million release clause and is now awaiting Guiu’s final decision, which is anticipated within the week.
Guiu has had a breakthrough season at Barcelona, highlighted by scoring just 23 seconds into his first-team debut in October, securing a 1-0 victory against Athletic Club. He also found the net in a Champions League match against Antwerp.
Despite training extensively with the first team, Guiu spent much of the season playing regularly for Barcelona’s B team as they pursued promotion to the second tier of Spanish football. He scored six goals in 16 appearances for Barça Atlétic, although he was unable to score in their recent playoff final defeat to Córdoba.
Having progressed through Barcelona’s academy over the past 11 years, Guiu is highly valued within the club. Sources within Barcelona note that Guiu, characterized as a more traditional and physically imposing number 9, possesses attributes that are relatively rare among La Masia graduates.
However, sources within Barcelona acknowledge that exposing Guiu to first-team action without first securing a longer contract with a higher release clause may have been an oversight. In contrast, other young talents who have emerged this season, such as Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, Hector Fort, and Marc Casadó, have all signed contracts featuring significantly higher release clauses.
