Chelsea 'on the verge of signing' 18-year-old Barcelona star Marc Guiu

 Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Barcelona youngster Marc Guiu, according to reports in spain. 

The 18-year-old striker made his breakthrough to the first team in 2023-24 and went on to score twice in seven appearances across all competitions. 

However, the striker looks to have played his last match for the Catalan giants as he's on the verge of joining Chelsea as reported by Marca. 

The Blues have triggered Guiu's £5million release clause and beaten competition from Bayern Munich to land the player.  

The report goes onto claim that Hansi Flick's side consider Guiu to have great potential and offered him a new deal, but they were unable to reach an agreement before Chelsea offered him an 'unbeatable' offer. 

New Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is said to have spoken to Guiu several times and he intends to have the youngster in the first team next season. 

Guiu is attracted to Chelsea's project with young players and believes the Premier League suits his style of play . 

He made his senior Barca debut under Xavi against Athletic Bilbao last October and scored with his second touch in a 1-0 win. 

Speaking after Guiu's immediate impact, Xavi said: 'Marc, a local kid, makes the difference for us.

'I have thought about him because he has a goal, a spark, and I like him personally. I have no problems looking in the academy. Quite the opposite. I give the confidence that they gave me when I was 17, 18 years old.

'I'm surprised that they're not scared. I see them with a spark. They look at me with a face like, 'give me a try, and you'll see that it's going to be fine'.

'I saw it with Gavi, Balde, Lamine, Fermin, and I saw Marc. He does not look scared.'