Chelsea exploring Danny Welbeck move

Chelsea are exploring a move to signal Danny Welbeck from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 35-year-old striker has 12 months left on his contract and Brighton are conscious of the curiosity.

As a participant and a pacesetter, Welbeck appeals to Chelsea supervisor Xabi Alonso and — though the scenario stays at an early stage — there may be optimism on all sides {that a} deal could possibly be executed.

Welbeck performed in all however one in all Brighton’s 38 Premier League video games final season, scoring 13 targets — the most effective league return of his profession. He has scored 51 targets in 201 matches for Brighton since becoming a member of from Watford in 2020.

After recruiting gamers primarily underneath the age of 25 in the previous couple of seasons, Chelsea have been searching for gamers they consider to be extra Premier League prepared. They tried a move for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka34, earlier within the window and have proven interest in free agent John Stones31.

TheAthletic reported on the finish of the 2025 summer season switch window that Manchester United explored a move to bring Welbeck back to Old Traffordhaving beforehand been eager about their former participant a yr earlier when Erik ten Hag was in cost.

Welbeck started his profession at United, scoring 29 instances in 142 appearances earlier than leaving for Arsenal in 2014. In north London, he registered 32 targets in 126 video games throughout six seasons, then spending one yr at Watford earlier than his move to Brighton.

Chelsea have a number of strikers on their books, however the membership will take heed to provides for Liam Delap and Emmanuel Emgeha, whereas Marc Guiu is predicted to depart both on mortgage or completely. Nicolas Jackson has additionally returned to the membership after a mortgage spell at Bayern Munich, who opted towards taking over a purchase order possibility, however was not included within the pre-season tour squad to Australia final week. Aston Villa have expressed curiosity in Jackson, who represented Senegal on the World Cup earlier this summer season.

Why Chelsea are Welbeck

Analysis by Chelsea corresponding Simon Johnson

This is a deal that can trigger the most important stir amongst Chelsea followers and definitely increase additional query marks in regards to the futures of different strikers within the squad.

Chelsea have been already deciding on which strikers to maintain, promote or mortgage between Jackson, Delap and even Emegha, who has simply joined up from Strasbourg after an settlement was put in place final September. Welbeck’s arrival will certainly imply it’s much more seemingly that multiple will likely be going elsewhere.

By pursuing midfielder Xhaka and defender Stones, Chelsea have already proven they need a Premier League veteran with management qualities within the ranks. But trying to purchase a 35-year-old striker is kind of a move.

It additional emphasizes how, underneath new supervisor Alonso, Chelsea are ready to alter their method of doing issues lately, which has been predominantly buying high younger expertise with potential.

Welbeck has arguably been in the most effective type of his profession lately at Brighton. He is aware of what it takes to play at a ‘huge six’ membership, having additionally been at Manchester United and Arsenal in his profession.

Chelsea may also now not have to fret in regards to the menace he gives when he’s up towards them. He has a powerful document of seven targets and two assists in 19 Premier League video games. Perhaps it’s a case of if you cannot cease them, signal them.

The membership’s supporters will inevitably speak about how that is one other cope with Brighton underneath the present possession, although. Since 2022, Chelsea have purchased Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez, Moises Caicedo and Joao Pedro, plus Facundo Buonanotte on mortgage, from Brighton. Academy kids Shumaira Mheuka and Zak Sturge got here from the Amex Stadium, too.