27 Jul 2026 14:09 BST |
4 min read
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Chelsea are reportedly exploring a potential summer move for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Danny Welbeck, and they are confident of reaching an agreement for the ex-England international.
Welbeck, 35, has just one year remaining on his current contract at the AMEX Stadium and Chelsea are keen to lure him away from the Seagulls ahead of Xabi Alonso’s first season in charge in west London.
Chelsea have identified Welbeck as their latest summer transfer target, as per a report from The Daily Mail’s Kieran Gill, and this has now been confirmed by transfer news experts David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano.
It’s understood that talks are currently in the early stages, but there is optimism from both Chelsea officials and Welbeck’s representatives that an agreement can be finalised, with Alonso having endorsed the signing in part thanks to the 35-year-old’s leadership.
Chelsea have expressed their desire to bolster their first-team squad with added experience this summer, as proven by their interest in Granit Xhaka and John Stones, and they are now pursuing a shock deal for Welbeck.
Ornstein reports that Chelsea will listen to offers for both Liam Delap and Emmanuel Emegha this summer, despite the fact the latter only arrived from Strasbourg in July, while Marc Guiu is expected to depart on a permanent deal or be sent out on loan.
Nicolas Jackson has also been linked with an exit following a loan spell at Bayern Munich last season, and David Datro Fofana is set to be sold permanently. Meanwhile, academy starlet Shumaira Mheuka is likely to be loaned out in order to experience regular senior football.
Danny Welbeck to join Chelsea?
Brighton are reportedly aware of Chelsea’s interest in Welbeck and while formal talks are yet to lead to an official bid, the Blues are likely to intensify their pursuit of the veteran striker over the coming weeks.
However, a deal may rely upon Chelsea finalising a number of player sales first, with the club currently boasting six first-team strikers, in addition to the aforementioned Mheuka.
Welbeck scored 13 goals in 37 Premier League games last season – the best return of his entire career – and he has netted six times in his last seven English top flight matches against Chelsea.
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