Ipswich Town ‘Interested’ in Signing ‘Talented’ Chelsea Forward after Liam Delap Deal – Report | OneFootball

Chelsea Youth Movement Gains Momentum as Ipswich Eye Marc Guiu

According to a recent report by Sky Sports News’ Lyall Thomas, Ipswich Town are showing interest in talented Chelsea forward Marc Guiu, a move which could come in conjunction with Liam Delap’s potential switch to Stamford Bridge. The EFL Championship side have reportedly “been aware of Guiu for a while” and the striker “fits the type of player they would like to sign in Delap’s place.”

Guiu, who joined Chelsea from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, is considered one of the most promising young forwards in the club’s development ranks. While he has yet to make a competitive appearance for Chelsea’s first team, his stature and poise in front of goal have made him a regular for their under-21 side.

Ipswich, newly promoted to the Premier League, are keen to bolster their attacking options after missing out on Delap. The Manchester City striker, who impressed on loan at Hull City, is now a Chelsea target as Enzo Maresca continues to reshape the Blues in his image.

Chelsea’s Transfer Strategy Blends Youth and Potential

The mention of Marc Guiu in the same breath as a Liam Delap transfer suggests a broader strategic shift from Chelsea, who under Maresca’s guidance are leaning into a long-term model. With the club securing the UEFA Europa Conference League in Maresca’s debut season, there is a renewed focus on smart recruitment and internal development.

Photo: IMAGO

Bringing in Delap, a young striker with Championship experience, aligns with this vision. Equally, being open to allowing players like Guiu to seek first-team football elsewhere – even on loan – underscores the depth Chelsea have built in youth positions. As one source told Sky Sports, “The player’s name is understood to have been mentioned in discussions about the Delap deal,” which could imply a potential swap, loan, or add-on clause.

Ipswich Pressing Forward with Premier League Ambitions

For Ipswich, newly back in the top flight, signing a physically capable forward like Guiu could be a savvy bit of business. Their interest, described by Sky Sports News as long-standing, shows clear intent to compete at Premier League level with fresh energy. Whether or not Guiu ends up in East Anglia may depend on the structure of Chelsea’s bid for Delap.

Guiu’s style, with sharp hold-up play and intelligent movement, mirrors the kind of pressing forwards that have thrived under Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna. While he remains raw, he possesses the frame and instinct of a Premier League-calibre attacker, and a loan could benefit all parties.

What it Means for Maresca’s Chelsea Blueprint

Enzo Maresca has shown a willingness to back youth during his time at Leicester and now at Chelsea. Winning silverware in his first season has given him credibility to implement his vision further, and the targeting of Delap supports that. If Guiu is used as part of the negotiations, it may not signal a permanent exit, but rather a step in his development.

Chelsea fans will note that such decisions reflect long-term planning and an understanding of squad evolution. The ability to attract Delap while still managing the pathway for Guiu shows a level of strategic cohesion that has at times been missing in recent seasons.

Photo IMAGO

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Chelsea supporter, this report invites both optimism and curiosity. Marc Guiu is highly rated among academy watchers and losing him permanently might raise eyebrows. Yet, if his name is only being “mentioned in discussions,” it’s plausible the club sees this as a temporary loan or an incentivised clause in the Delap deal.

Liam Delap’s potential arrival is exciting. He’s a physical presence, quick, and has had a strong Championship campaign at Hull City. Importantly, he also has previous experience under Maresca at Manchester City. Their shared background could fast-track his adaptation to Chelsea’s system.

Given our recent UEFA Europa Conference League triumph, the team has momentum. It’s refreshing to see the recruitment strategy match that forward-thinking spirit. If we can continue adding young, hungry players who fit Maresca’s pressing, positional style, then Chelsea are building something with real foundations.

That said, many fans will want clarity on whether Guiu is being sold or simply loaned. Losing talent too early has been a painful theme in the past. Ideally, any agreement involving Guiu should include a buy-back clause or at the very least a right of first refusal. If Delap comes in and flourishes, this could be a win-win. But the margin for error in these delicate youth transitions is razor-thin.

For now, Maresca has earned trust. Let’s hope that trust continues to be repaid in smart, bold moves.