Chelsea are close to finalising a shock move for Brighton striker Danny Welbeck. Standard Sport understands that a deal for the 35-year-old is almost complete, with an undisclosed fee agreed. Welbeck has signed a two-year contract running until 2028 and is set to undergo a medical this week.
He is expected to join the Chelsea squad during their pre-season tour of Australia and Asia, when it moves to Hong Kong for a match against Juventus. Welbeck's experience, leadership, and goalscoring ability are seen as a boost to the squad.
Welbeck's recent form and career
The former England international, who turns 36 in December, scored 14 goals in 40 matches across all competitions for Brighton last season. He has previously played with Chelsea striker Joao Pedro at both Brighton and Watford.
Third signing under Alonso
Welbeck will become Chelsea's third signing under new boss Xabi Alonso, following the club-record £117m deal for England star Morgan Rogers and a £47m deal for Italy right-back Marco Palestra. Other arrivals include striker Emmanuel Emegha, winger Geovany Quenda, and Kazakh youngster Dastan Satpayev on pre-agreed deals.
Henderson also targeted
The arrival of Welbeck is expected to be quickly followed by a move for Jordan Henderson as Chelsea add experience. The Blues have been exploring a move for the 36-year-old, who broke his arm in a freak accident while celebrating England's World Cup last-16 win over Mexico and required surgery in the US. Henderson is expected to leave Brentford on a free transfer after 34 appearances last season, following his exit from Ajax and a spell at Al-Ettifaq.
Chelsea turned to Henderson after being rebuffed by Sunderland in their pursuit of Granit Xhaka, who worked under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen. An £8m bid for Xhaka was rejected, and a £64m offer for Bournemouth's Alex Scott was also turned down last week.
