Chelsea consider ripping up Marc Guiu deal, circumstances have changed
Chelsea’s striker situation took a dramatic turn on Saturday due to Liam Delap’s injury and Nicolas Jackson in the midst of a potential move to Bayern Munich.
Delap was subbed off in the 14th minute of Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Fulham with an apparent hamstring injury that could leave Enzo Maresca short of striker options.
Meanwhile, Jackson was on his way to a medical in Munich, before the Senegalese international was recalled from the potential move by the Blues.
Jackson reportedly refused, with Jackson’s agent reaffirming of their wish to join Bayern Munich, a move that leaves Maresca even further in the mire.
As a result Joao Pedro is currently the only recognised number nine in Chelsea’s ranks, but plays his best football as a number 10, meaning Maresca may have to juggle around his squad.
Marc Guiu back on the move
Pedro has made a good start to life at Chelsea, scoring two goals in three Premier League appearances, in behind Delap, who joined for £30 million from Ipswich Town in the summer.
As a result of Chelsea’s turmoil, Maresca may be forced to recall Marc Guiu from his loan spell at Sunderland, where he’s played only 13 minutes so far in the Premier League.
The recalling of Guiu would allow Pedro to take up his more familiar attacking midfield spot, but the former Barcelona player will be a different profile to Delap at the spearhead of Maresca’s attack.
With only two days left of the transfer window Chelsea will have to move quickly to decide what decision they take at the forward position.
Marc Guiu can provide a different profile to Enzo Maresca
Football Insider verdict
Guiu will offer a different skillset to what Maresca has been used to out of his number nines during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Delap is a physical number nine with great athleticism who can hold up the ball and compete in duels with defenders while also offering an option in behind the defence.
| Season | Goals |
| 2023-24 | 2 |
| 2024-25 | 6 |
| 2025-26 | 1 |
Meanwhile Jackson was more of a channel running forward who lurked on the shoulder of the last defender looking to stretch the game in behind the opposition back four.
Guiu offers something of a balance between the two, dropping in and connecting play with his good technical ability while also being able to stretch a defence like Jackson.