Chelsea are one step closer to signing Marc Guiu after triggering his €6m (£5m) release clause, according to Gerard Romero.

The 18-year-old made his first-team breakthrough at Barca last season, scoring two goals in seven games. But fierce competition in Barca’s attack meant he was often sent to Barca B, where he scored six goals in 17 appearances.

However, Marc Guiu may have played his last game for Barca B as they were defeated in the Segunda Division promotion play-offs on Sunday, with Chelsea now set to make a move to sign the striker.

Chelsea set to win race to sign Marc Guiu

Chelsea are one step closer to signing Marc Guiu after triggering his €6m (£5m) release clause, according to Gerard Romero. The striker is also in talks with the Premier League side.

Bayern Munich are also trying to sign Guiu this summer, but it is believed that Chelsea are now the favourites to land the young Barca striker. Guiu was given his first-team debut by Xavi last October, scoring with his second touch in a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao.

Xavi said after Guiu made an immediate impact: “Marc, a young player from the academy, has made the difference for us. Personally, I like him. I have no problem giving opportunities to players from the academy. I give the same trust they gave me when I was 17, 18.

I saw their determination, as if to say: Give me a chance and I will repay your trust. I saw that in Gavi, Balde, Lamine, Fermin and Marc. He didn’t look scared.”