Chelsea fans have come up with a conspiracy theory concerning a possible swap deal to justify why forward Marc Guiu hasn’t been getting much playtime.

Guiu had left Chelsea in the summer transfer window with the 19-year-old joining Sunderland on a season-long loan on August 6.

The Spanish forward made three appearances for the Black Cats and scored once, netting in a Carabao Cup tie against Huddersfield.

This situation arose after Liam Delap’s hamstring injury, and with Nicolas Jackson in the midst of finalizing a loan transfer to Bayern Munich, potentially becoming a £70m permanent transfer.

Guiu has yet to make an appearance for Chelsea since returning, with the forward having been on the bench for four matches to date. 

Marc Guiu is yet to play a minute for Chelsea since being recalled from his loan at Sunderland

Enzo Maresca started Tyrique George over Guiu against Benfica in the Champions League

Enzo Maresca’s decision to start Tyrique George in attack against Benfica led to Chelsea supporters questioning the situation concerning Guiu.

George was preferred over the Spanish player for Chelsea’s Champions League clash against Benfica on Tuesday, especially since Joao Pedro was given a break at the beginning of the game. George’s inclusion followed his £22m move to Fulham falling through at the last minute.

Pedro came on for George on the hour mark and was sent off in the final minute for two bookable offences, while Guiu remained an unused substitute.

Several Chelsea fans on social media floated a theory that the Blues are already planning to use Guiu in a swap deal in January.

Speculators among the fans proposed that a possible move for Guiu to Strasbourg, also owned by the BlueCo group, might pave the way for a future deal with Emanuel Emegha.

Chelsea have already agreed a deal to sign Emegha next summer.

FIFA regulations stop players from playing for more than two clubs in a single season, and since Guiu has already played for Sunderland, making an appearance for Chelsea would hinder any further transfers.

One fan wrote, ‘Guiu theory, Chelsea plan to bring Emegha in January. For Guiu to be loaned out, he must not play for Chelsea since playing for three clubs in one season is not allowed. Choosing George to play instead seems utterly bizarre.’

Chelsea fans theorised Guiu be swapped for Emanuel Emegha, pictured, in January

Having already played for Sunderland, an appearance for Chelsea would prevent Guiu from representing another team this season

Another fan declared that they were ‘convinced’ by the theory. 

‘One reason Maresca might be reluctant to play Guiu is… because he can’t play him,’ one fan claimed.

‘What if the plan is to get Emegha in January to improve the depth immediately and send Guiu to Strasbourg.

‘That wouldn’t be possible if Marc got a single minute till January. It’s harsh on him.’

Emegha, Strasbourg’s captain, has received a backlash from supporters of the French club after his move to Chelsea next summer was confirmed.

Last month, Strasbourg ultras displayed a banner reading: ‘Emegha, pawn of BlueCo. After changing shirt, give back your captain’s armband.’

Chelsea and Strasbourg have been involved in a number of deals together. Last week, the Todd Boehly-owned side even re-signed one of their former players just weeks after selling him to Strasbourg.

Emegha has received a backlash from Strasbourg fans after his move next year was revealed

Despite Chelsea fans raising their theory about a Guiu and Emegha swap deal in January, Maresca only last week suggested the Spanish forward will be handed opportunities.

When asked about Guiu’s situation and where the Spaniard can improve, Maresca responded: ‘First of all, it’s the balance of the game, the balance of the team that is important.’

‘Sometimes you can allow yourself to play with two strikers, sometimes not.

‘Marc is working well and for sure he’s going to get some chances.’