Chelsea Ready to Green-Light Striker's Loan Move Following Premier League Interest
Chelsea have reportedly shown willingness to allow young forward Marc Guiu to depart on a temporary basis during the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Guiu made the switch to Chelsea from Barcelona in the previous summer transfer window and made his mark by netting six goals across seven appearances as the Blues secured the UEFA Conference League title. However, his playing time in other tournaments was restricted, failing to earn a single Premier League starting position. A setback in the form of a hamstring problem that sidelined him during March, April, and May further complicated matters.
Given that Liam Delap, João Pedro, and Nicolas Jackson (provided he remains at the club) are positioned higher in the pecking order for Chelsea's striker role, the young Spanish talent might benefit from seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Fabrizio Romano highlights Sunderland's pursuit of Guiu, reportedly among three teams expressing interest in a potential temporary transfer. Chelsea are prepared to approve a loan move without a purchase clause, though they require the borrowing club to assume full responsibility for the player's salary.
Chelsea have no intention of permanently parting ways with Guiu and anticipate his return the following summer.
As they gear up for their return to the Premier League after an eight-year absence, Sunderland have invested significantly in nine new acquisitions. Transfer expenditures have exceeded £124 million ($164.7 million), though this has been somewhat balanced by the departures of Tom Watson and Jobe Bellingham to Brighton & Hove Albion and Borussia Dortmund respectively.
Sunderland lacked a dominant goalscorer during their previous campaign, despite earning promotion through the Championship playoffs. Wilson Isidor topped their scoring charts with 13 goals in all competitions, while promising Spanish striker Eliezer Mayenda contributed nine.
Each of the previous six teams promoted to the Premier League—Southampton, Leicester City, Ipswich Town, Luton Town, Burnley, Sheffield United—suffered immediate relegation after a single season, an outcome Sunderland will be determined to prevent.