LONDON — Chelsea are in talks to sign Brighton striker Danny Welbeck, emerging reports say, in what would signal another shift in the Blues’ transfer strategy this summer.
The 35-year-old is reportedly keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, with optimism from the Chelsea side that a deal can be concluded.
‘Tweak’ To Youth Model
The move comes after influential owner Behdad Eghbali admitted in April that Chelsea’s model of signing young players “needs a tweak.”
The Blues are now looking for experience to balance the squad, and Welbeck fits that profile.
Welbeck enjoyed his best Premier League season last year, scoring a career-high 13 league goals in 37 games for Brighton. Since joining the Seagulls from Watford in 2020, he has netted 51 goals in 201 matches.
Brighton have declined to comment on the speculation.
The forward signed a 12-month contract extension in March, with his current deal running until the end of the 2026-27 season.
Part Of Wider Shift
Welbeck would not be Chelsea’s first target in the “experience” market this summer.
The club also made attempts to sign 33-year-old midfielder Granit Xhaka from Sunderland, but the Black Cats refused to sell the Switzerland captain.
Signing Welbeck would underline Chelsea’s willingness to move away from only targeting players under 25, and instead add proven Premier League pedigree to Xabi Alonso’s attack.
Chelsea In Talks To Sign Brighton Striker Welbeck
