Chelsea has announced the signing of striker Danny Welbeck, who joins the club from Brighton on a two-year contract. The transfer fee was not disclosed by either club.
Welbeck, 35, scored a career-high 13 goals in 37 Premier League matches for Brighton last season. He becomes Chelsea's third acquisition of the summer, following Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra.
"When you hear of the interest from Chelsea, it's something that fills you with such immense pride," Welbeck stated. "I know a few of the boys already and I've had fantastic conversations with the manager and already feel that connection. I've got that fire in my belly and I'm ready to give it everything for this club to make everyone at Chelsea, and the supporters, proud."
This signing represents a shift in Chelsea's transfer strategy, as the club's owners have primarily focused on younger players since their takeover in 2022. Welbeck's arrival also brings into question the future of other center-forward options at the club, including Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Emmanuel Emegha, Marc Guiu, and Nicolas Jackson.
Welbeck began his career at Manchester United before moving to Arsenal in 2014 for a reported £16 million. After five years with Arsenal, he transferred to Watford and then to Brighton in 2020. He has earned 42 caps for England, scoring 16 goals, with his last appearance in 2018.