Chelsea are in discussions to sign veteran striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton, according to sources. The 35-year-old scored 13 goals in 37 Premier League appearances last season, making him a surprise target to bolster Xabi Alonso's forward line. There is optimism at Stamford Bridge that a deal can be concluded, with Brighton reportedly willing to let Welbeck leave for the right price, as he has one year remaining on his contract.
Impact on Chelsea's squad
Should the transfer go through, it would increase the likelihood of departures from Chelsea, with uncertainty surrounding the futures of Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson. Delap, who joined from Ipswich for £30m a year ago, is currently considered second-choice striker behind João Pedro. Jackson spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich and has attracted interest from Aston Villa. Delap had been expected to be given another year to prove himself, but this development casts doubt on his future at the club.
Shift in transfer policy
Interest in Welbeck marks a significant step in Chelsea's revised transfer strategy under Alonso, as the club seeks to recruit more established players. With over 400 Premier League appearances for Arsenal and Manchester United, Welbeck would represent a clear departure from the previous strategy of signing young, inexperienced players with potential. Welbeck scored twice when Brighton won 3-1 at Stamford Bridge last season. He signed a 12-month contract extension in March, running until the end of the 2026-27 season. If the move happens, he would join a long line of players and staff to move from Brighton to Chelsea in recent years, including goalkeeper Robert Sánchez, midfielder Moises Caicedo, and striker João Pedro.
