Napoli return to Chelsea to sign second squad player - but there's a problem

Updated: 23 Aug 2026 16:11 BST | 4 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Napoli are interested in signing Chelsea forward Marc Guiu but they have concerns over his €29million (£25m) valuation, according to reports in Italy.

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Corriere Dello Sport understands Napoli have identified Guiu as an alternative to Arsenal ace Gabriel Jesus, who is their primary attacking target.

However, Massimiliano Allegri’s side will struggle to afford either striker unless they offload a host of players this summer.

© IMAGO - Marc Guiu (left) and Gabriel Jesus (right)

Napoli are believed to looking to raise funds by selling Noa Lang, Jens Cajuste, Jesper Lindstrom, Lorenzo Lucca, Walid Cheddira, Nosa Obaretin and Pasquale Mazzocchi.

The news comes after BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella reported Guiu is poised to leave Chelsea before the end of the transfer window.

The 20-year-old joined the Blues from Barcelona for €6million (£5.1m) in July 2024 but he has received limited opportunities at Stamford Bridge.

Guiu was set to earn regular minutes on loan at Sunderland last season, only to be recalled after three games when Liam Delap sustained an injury.

The Spain Under-21 international went on to score two goals in 13 appearances for Chelsea, who finished 10th in the Premier League and reached the FA Cup final in 2025-26.

Badiashile left Chelsea for Napoli earlier this month

Chelsea and Napoli have already conducted business this summer after Benoit Badiashile joined the Serie A side on a season-long loan.

BBC Sport understands the Partenopei have the option to buy the France international for €27million (£23m) at the end of the 2026-27 season.

Benoît is proud to be one of us! ✨

Leggi il comunicato 👉 https://t.co/p8O2JDTdD6

💙 #WelcomeBadiashile | #ProudToBeNapoli | #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/Ny5OyEy3l0
— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) August 22, 2026

Badiashile joined Chelsea from Ligue 1 side Monaco in January 2023, signing a five-year contract with the west London club.

However, the 25-year-old struggled for form and fitness in England, making just 71 appearances in three and half a seasons with Chelsea.

Chelsea have been busy in terms of outgoings this summer, with eight senior players having secured moves away.

Andrey Santos, Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah and Tyrique George have joined Manchester United, Real Madrid, Como and Everton respectively in permanent deals.

And alongside Badiashile, Filip Jorgensen has headed to Strasbourg on loan, while Alejandro Garnacho and Dastan Satpaev have secured temporary moves to Aston Villa and Burnley respectively.

Chelsea have also backed new manager Xabi Alonso with the signings of Marco Palestra, Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Pep Chavarria, Valentin Barco, Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck this summer.