Chelsea enter advance talks with Brighton to sign Danny Welbeck

Chelsea are in advanced negotiations to sign Brighton & Hove Albion striker Danny Welbeck as the Blues look to add experience to their squad ahead of the new season.

The 35-year-old is reportedly open to a move to Stamford Bridge, with growing optimism that an agreement can be reached.

Chelsea target experienced striker

Chelsea are looking to balance their youthful squad after club co-owner Behdad Eghbali admitted earlier this year that the club’s transfer strategy of focusing on young players required a “tweak.”

Welbeck has emerged as a leading target following an impressive campaign with Brighton, where he scored a career-best 13 Premier League goals in 37 appearances last season.

The former England international has netted 51 goals in 201 matches for Brighton since joining from Watford in 2020.

Brighton have declined to comment on the transfer speculation.

The striker signed a one-year contract extension in March, keeping him at the Amex Stadium until the end of the 2026-27 season.

Chelsea set for attacking reshuffle

Welbeck’s potential arrival comes as uncertainty surrounds several Chelsea forwards.

Joao Pedro is regarded as the club’s first-choice striker, while Marc Guiu is available for either a permanent transfer or a loan move.

Nicolas Jackson is also reportedly open to leaving despite returning from a loan spell at Bayern Munich, with Aston Villa among the clubs linked with the Senegal international.

Liam Delap is increasingly expected to depart after struggling to establish himself, while questions remain over the future of Emmanuel Emegha following his recent arrival from Strasbourg.

Chelsea have already strengthened their squad this summer with the club-record signing of Morgan Rogers and full-back Marco Palestra, while a deal for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix is also nearing completion.