Chelsea supporters have launched a conspiracy theory over a potential swap deal as they attempted to explain the lack of game time afforded to forward Marc Guiu.

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.

The decision came after Liam Delap suffered a hamstring injury, while Nicolas Jackson was in the process of completing a loan move to Bayern Munich, which could become a £70m permanent deal.

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 – who saw a £22m move to Fulham collapse on deadline day – was favoured over the Spaniard for Chelsea’s Champions League match with Benfica on Tuesday, with Joao Pedro having been rested from the start.

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.

The fans suggested Guiu could join Strasbourg –  who are also owned by the BlueCo group – which could allow the club to bring forward a deal for Emanuel Emegha.

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

FIFA rules prevent players from representing more than two clubs in the same season and with Guiu having played for Sunderland, an appearance for Chelsea would scupper another switch. 

‘Guiu theory, Chelsea plan to bring Emegha in January,’ one fan wrote. In order for Guiu to go on loan, he can’t play for Chelsea as you aren’t allowed to play for three clubs in one season. Chelsea playing George instead which just seems totally 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.’