​The summer transfer market is officially in full swing, and Ipswich Town’s strategy appears to be as ambitious as it is unpredictable. While the club has already shattered its transfer record this summer to bring in the highly touted 21-year-old forward Emersonn from Toulouse, reports have now emerged that the “Tractor Boys” could be planning another massive statement of intent. According to transfer guru Ben Jacobs, Ipswich Town is now officially “one to watch” in the heated race to sign Chelsea’s Spanish prodigy, Marc Guiu.

​The Guiu Saga: From Barcelona to Portman Road?

​Guiu’s career has been a whirlwind over the last twelve months. The 20-year-old striker, who developed his craft in the legendary FC Barcelona academy, was a major target for Ipswich last summer following the club’s relegation. However, the Spaniard was reportedly unwilling to drop into the Championship at that stage of his career, opting instead to join newly-promoted Sunderland.

​That move, however, was short-lived. Following a freak injury to former Ipswich star Liam Delap, Chelsea exercised a recall clause, cutting Guiu’s stint at the Stadium of Light to just two appearances. Now, with Chelsea looking to offload fringe players to balance their bloated squad, the Athletic has confirmed that Guiu is expected to depart Stamford Bridge—either on a permanent deal or another loan—before the window closes.

​Why Ipswich Town is the “Wildcard” in the Race

​While Sunderland is widely rumored to be interested in a reunion with their former loan target, the landscape has changed. Speaking on the London is Blue podcast, Ben Jacobs pointed to Ipswich as the dark horse in the race.

​”Ipswich could be another one to watch,” Jacobs noted. “Chelsea will find him quite easy to offload because they only signed him for £5m, and there is significant interest from both English and foreign clubs, including Fiorentina.”

​For Chelsea, selling Guiu permanently is a low-risk, high-reward move. They stand to turn a tidy profit on a player they picked up for a bargain fee, while Guiu gets the chance to kickstart his stalled development at a club that is clearly building for the future.

​The Big Debate: Is Guiu the Right Fit?

​The news has split the Ipswich fanbase. While the prospect of signing a player with Guiu’s pedigree is undeniably exciting, there is a legitimate question about whether he is the profile of striker that manager Kieran McKenna actually needs.

​With the recent arrival of Emersonn for a club-record fee, Ipswich already has a young, vibrant attacking option leading the line. Many pundits, including the East Anglian Daily Times’ own football writers, suggest that the squad is crying out for an “older, experienced head”—a striker who knows the rigors of English football inside and out and can mentor the younger talents in the dressing room.

​Guiu, at 20, is undoubtedly a massive talent, but he is not the seasoned veteran that many felt was the final piece of the Ipswich puzzle. Is McKenna looking to build a team of young, hungry world-beaters, or does he need a traditional “target man” to anchor the attack?

​As the deadline approaches, the race for Guiu is heating up. Whether Portman Road is the destination remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: if Ipswich manages to beat out Sunderland and a host of European clubs for his signature, it will be one of the biggest shocks of the summer.

​Ipswich Fans: What do you think? Should the club pursue Marc Guiu, or is he too young and inexperienced for what we need this season? Would you rather see the club spend that budget on an established Premier League veteran? Sound off in the comments below!