‘Chelsea free to complete Liam Delap deal amid Marc Guiu to Ipswich update’
Chelsea are set to sign Liam Delap and there is an update on Marc Guiu going the other way to Portman Road.
The Blues’ striking troubles have been well documented this season, leading to plenty of forwards being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Nicolas Jackson began the season strongly, but has only managed one goal this calendar year, whilst Joao Felix was shipped out on loan in January.
Given their issues, Chelsea have been linked with forwards such as Brighton’s Joao Pedro and Strasbourg’s Emanuel Emegha.
Despite their issues up top, summer signing from Barcelona, Guiu, has been used sparingly by Enzo Maresca.
The Spaniard has managed six goals in 14 appearances in all competitions this season, and according to The Guardian, he could get an opportunity to get more first-team minutes under his belt next season, but there is an issue in the deal.
Ipswich want Marc Guiu on loan as Liam Delap chooses Chelsea
As reported, “one hurdle to clear” is that Ipswich made it understood to Chelsea during their negotiations over Delap’s move that they would be keen on bringing Guiu on loan to Portman Road.
The Spaniard is “yet to be convinced” about joining the club, as they prepare for life in the Championship after suffering relegation.
However, talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs clarified on X that whilst Guiu is of interest to Ipswich, it would be “separate to the Delap transfer”.
It would seem that a deal for the English striker is not contingent on the ex-Barcelona man joining Ipswich; instead, the Suffolk-based side are merely using the negotiations as an opportunity to find a replacement striker immediately.
Marc Guiu would benefit hugely from Ipswich loan
Football Insider Verdict
There are few teams that Guiu could join this summer where he would transition as seamlessly into the side than Ipswich.
The Spaniard shares much of the same characteristics as Delap, with both being tall, powerful strikers with an eye for goal.
As a consequence, Ipswich are well set-up to facilitate for a forward with that skillset.
Guiu’s hesitations are likely based around the fact that joining a recently relegated club is not the most appealing thing a footballer can do.
But with Kieran McKenna and the core of the squad likely to stay, the Tractor Boys will be in a prime position to fight for an immediate return to the Premier League.
Joining a club with the potential to be one of the top dogs in their division, whilst also being their first-choice striker, could be what Guiu needs to kickstart his career.