Chelsea are on the verge of completing the signing of Brighton & Hove Albion striker Danny Welbeck after the veteran forward was granted permission to undergo a medical at Stamford Bridge.
According to BBC Sport, the 35-year-old is expected to sign a two-year contract with the Blues and will join the squad in Hong Kong next week for their pre-season tour.
Welbeck’s arrival forms part of new head coach Xabi Alonso’s strategy to inject more experience into Chelsea’s youthful squad. The club has fielded the Premier League’s youngest team over the past two seasons, with the lack of senior players widely blamed for inconsistent performances that saw the Blues finish 10th and end last season without a trophy.
Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali acknowledged toward the end of last season that the club’s recruitment policy required a “tweak,” prompting a renewed focus on signing experienced players.
The Blues are also pursuing Granit Xhaka from Sunderland, who previously worked under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, while discussions continue over a move for Jordan Henderson from Brentford.
In defence, Maxence Lacroix is set to complete a six-year move from Crystal Palace, subject to an official announcement, while 21-year-old full-back Marco Palestra has already joined from Atalanta.
Welbeck, who previously represented Manchester United F.C., Arsenal F.C. and Watford F.C., moved to Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. on a free transfer in 2021. He has scored 90 goals in 400 Premier League appearances and is Brighton’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer.
His expected arrival will strengthen Chelsea’s attacking options as the club looks to build its frontline around João Pedro and Welbeck. Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap and Marc Guiu could depart either on loan or through permanent transfers.
Dutch striker Emmanuel Emegha, who joined from Strasbourg earlier this summer, is also expected to compete for a place in Alonso’s squad.
