Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has ruled out signing a new striker in the January transfer window, instead placing faith in 19-year-old forward Marc Guiu. The young former Barcelona striker has been making waves in European competition, and Maresca believes he deserves more opportunities in the Premier League.
Chelsea’s Striker Dilemma
Despite being well-stocked with attacking players, Chelsea lack true centre-forward options beyond Nicolas Jackson. Christopher Nkunku has occasionally filled in, but he primarily plays as an attacking midfielder. Recent struggles in front of goal—managing just one goal in three league games against Everton, Fulham, and Ipswich—have highlighted the need for greater firepower.
Guiu, who has only made one Premier League appearance this season (a brief 23-minute stint in August), has excelled in the UEFA Conference League, scoring six goals in six matches. Maresca sees this form as evidence of the young striker’s potential.
Maresca’s Support for Guiu
Speaking about Guiu, Maresca said:
“We have a young striker in Marc Guiu, who is doing very good in the Conference League. I didn’t give him enough minutes in the Premier League to prove it. Hopefully, we can start to give him some minutes very soon.”
The Italian manager is keen to integrate Guiu into the first team more regularly, suggesting that the teenager could be the answer to Chelsea’s attacking woes.
Opportunities in January
Chelsea’s January schedule, which includes only five matches, could provide Guiu with valuable playing time. The Blues host League Two side Morecambe in the FA Cup on January 11—a game that might offer Guiu a platform to shine. League fixtures against Bournemouth and Wolves later in the month could also provide opportunities for the young forward to make an impact.
A Bold Move or a Gamble?
By placing his trust in Guiu, Maresca is taking a calculated risk, betting on the development of homegrown talent rather than investing in the transfer market. If Guiu can replicate his Conference League form in domestic competitions, it could be a masterstroke for the club’s long-term strategy. However, with Chelsea’s inconsistent performances this season, the pressure will be on the young striker to deliver when called upon.
Chelsea fans will be eager to see whether Guiu can rise to the occasion and help reignite the club’s attacking threat in the coming weeks.