Chelsea is on the verge of completing a transfer for Brighton striker Danny Welbeck, who has been granted permission for a medical examination at Stamford Bridge. Welbeck, aged 35, is expected to join the team in Hong Kong next week for pre-season training, with a two-year contract reportedly in the works.
This acquisition is a key component of new manager Xabi Alonso's recruitment strategy, aimed at infusing the squad with seasoned players. Chelsea has fielded one of the Premier League's youngest teams in recent seasons, a factor that has been cited as a reason for their struggles to consistently contend for major trophies. Following a disappointing 10th-place finish last season, co-owner Behdad Eghbali acknowledged the need for adjustments to the club's recruitment model.
Chelsea has also reportedly made an offer to bring 34-year-old midfielder Granit Xhaka, a former teammate of Alonso's during their Bundesliga title-winning season at Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, back to the club. Additionally, 26-year-old center-back Maxence Lacroix has been signed from Crystal Palace on a six-year deal, pending official confirmation, and negotiations are ongoing for Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson, 36.
Earlier this month, Morgan Rogers, 24, was acquired from Aston Villa for a club-record fee of £117 million, bringing a degree of experience to the team. The club has also secured the signing of 21-year-old full-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta.
Welbeck, who previously played for Manchester United and Arsenal, has scored 90 goals in 400 top-flight appearances. He joined Brighton on a free transfer from Watford in 2021 and is their leading Premier League scorer. His potential arrival would bring Chelsea's senior striking options to six, with the club aiming to build around players like Joao Pedro and Welbeck, while others may be made available for loan or sale. Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap, and Marc Guiu are among those who could depart. Dutch striker Emmanuel Emegha, signed from sister club Strasbourg, may also remain with the squad.