Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Barcelona academy prodigy Marc Guiu, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Blues have informed the Spanish giants that they will activate the 18-year-old striker’s €6 million release clause.
Guiu is expected to sign a long-term deal with Chelsea. Both clubs are now set to iron out the final details before making an announcement.
The Spanish sensation came through the youth ranks at Barca but only managed seven appearances for the Catalan giants last season.
However, he made an instant impact after linking up with the first team, scoring on his debut against Athletic Bilbao.
His goal proved to be the point of difference in the match, scoring with only his first touch after coming on for fellow academy graduate Fermin Lopez.
At 17 years and 291 days, he became the youngest and fastest debutant to score a league goal for Barca.
Despite amassing just 75 minutes of La Liga football for Barca last season, Guiu has seemingly done enough to impress Chelsea, who have been on a talent-hoarding mission since the Todd Boehly-led takeover.
The Spanish teenager registered six goals and four assists in 17 appearances for Barca Atletic, recording a goal contribution every 85 minutes.
Chelsea view him as a potential star and are now on the cusp of adding him to their vastly talented yet largely inexperienced squad.
Barring any dramatic U-turns, Guiu will be the latest exciting prospect to join Chelsea following the recent arrival of Brazilian sensation Estevao Willian.
Guiu will add depth to Chelsea’s attacking ranks, with reports claiming the club signed him for the first team. However, Chelsea are still expected to sign a more prolific striker this summer.
The Blues have been linked with a move for Lille striker Jonathan David and are also monitoring TSG Hoffenheim sensation Maximilian Beier.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
