Chelsea have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Barcelona youngster Marc Guiu by activating his release clause. The Blues wasted no time kicking off their summer scouting campaign, and Todd Boehly has already landed some initial deals. Tosin Adarabioyo has become Chelsea’s first player. Fulham has made a summer signing earlier this month, joining a flexible move after turning down a new deal at Fulham. The West Londoners have also agreed a £51m deal for Palmeiras teenager Estevao Willian, who will move to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2025. Guiu has reportedly been named as Chelsea’s next target despite Barcelona providing him with a new, advanced contract. The Blues have activated his £5m release clause, according to Fabrizio Romano, meaning they would not possibly have to negotiate a transfer payment with Barcelona.
Chelsea are reportedly close to reaching an agreement on non-public terms with Guiu, who is expected to sign up for the club on a long-term contract if he decides to leave Spain. He has yet to respond to Barcelona’s new contract offer, which suggests a move for Chelsea is the most likely with the final results as they stand. Bayern Munich have also been linked with a possible move for the 18-year-old after having positive talks with Barcelona over the weekend. However, Chelsea are said to have overtaken the German giants in the race for his signing and are in pole position. Guiu made his Barcelona debut in October and made seven appearances in all competitions last season. He scored twice, scoring on his debut against Athletic Bilbao before opening his Champions League account in December.
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Xavi, who took control of Barcelona last season before leaving at the end of the campaign, was quick to praise Guiu’s carefree technique after his goal against Bilbao. “What surprises me about this generation is that they are not afraid,” Xavi said. “Maybe it was different in my time. They have this spark. They look at me with a face that says: ‘Put me on, I’ll show you that I’ll be fine’. When you put them on, they’re ready. I saw it in Gavi, [Alejandro] Balde, Lamine [Yamal], Fermín [López] and I saw it in Marc. There was no worry on his face. I told him that he would have a chance. He had a chance and he took it. I felt like I was ready. The truth is that I’m satisfied for Marc, he’s a smart guy who works hard. “Scoring from the first touches is extraordinary. I complimented him earlier and you can believe how he feels. It’s probably the most productive day of your life. “
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