Chelsea in talks to sign veteran striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton

The 35-year-old has emerged as a surprised candidate to bolster the Blues’ forward line

Chelsea are in talks to sign Danny Welbeck from Brighton, the Press Association understands. Pic: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire.

Mon, 27 Jul, 2026 - 16:18

Robert O'Connor, Press Association

Chelsea are in talks to sign Danny Welbeck from Brighton, the Press Association understands.

The 35-year-old has emerged as a surprised candidate to bolster the Blues’ forward line after scoring 13 Premier League goals in 37 matches last season.

There is optimism that a deal can be concluded with Brighton understood to be willing to allow the striker, who has a year remaining on his contract, to leave for the right price.

Should a deal be reached it would increase the likelihood of departures from Stamford Bridge, with uncertainty already surrounding the futures of Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson.

Delap is considered second-choice striker behind Joao Pedro, who impressed in his debut campaign last season with 15 league goals, while Jackson spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich and has attracted interest from Aston Villa.

Former Manchester City academy player Delap had been expected to be given a second year to prove himself after an unsuccessful debut campaign following his £30million move from Ipswich a year ago, though this latest development would seem to cast doubt on his future.

Interest in Welbeck marks another significant step in a revised Chelsea transfer policy, as they seek to recruit more established buys under new manager Xabi Alonso.

With more than 400 Premier League appearances, the former Arsenal and Manchester United striker would mark the clearest departure yet from the club’s recent strategy of seeking out young, inexperienced players with potential.

Welbeck, who scored twice when Brighton won 3-1 at Stamford Bridge last season, signed a new 12-month deal in March which runs until the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

Alonso also has Dutch striker Emmanuel Emegha on the books following his move from sister club Strasbourg, as well as 20-year-old Marc Guiu who has been given only limited playing time in the league since moving from Barcelona in 2024.