Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Brighton & Hove Albion striker Danny Welbeck, with the veteran forward granted permission to undergo a medical ahead of a proposed move to Stamford Bridge. The 35-year-old is expected to sign a two-year contract with the Blues and join new head coach Xabi Alonso’s squad in Hong Kong next week for Chelsea’s pre-season tour, according to BBC Sport.
What happened?
Chelsea are reportedly closing in on the signing of Brighton & Hove Albion striker Danny Welbeck, with the veteran forward granted permission to undergo a medical ahead of a proposed move to Stamford Bridge. The 35-year-old is expected to sign a two-year contract with the Blues and join new head coach Xabi Alonso’s squad in Hong Kong next week for Chelsea’s pre-season tour.
Why it matters for Brighton & Hove Albion
The impending departure of Welbeck will be a significant blow to the Seagulls, who have relied heavily on the veteran forward for goals and experience. With Welbeck set to leave, Brighton will need to find a replacement to fill the void left by his departure.
What comes next?
Brighton will need to find a replacement for Welbeck, who has been a key player for the Seagulls in recent seasons. The club will likely turn its attention to finding a new striker to fill the void left by Welbeck’s departure.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 8th in Premier League, 53 pts, 14W-11D-13L from 38 games, recent form LLWLW. Goals this season: 52 scored, 46 conceded (+6 goal difference). Title race: 32 points behind leaders Arsenal. Currently sidelined: Zadok Yohanna.
Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali acknowledged towards the end of last season that the club’s recruitment strategy required a “tweak”, with the Blues subsequently turning their attention towards more experienced and proven players. Welbeck brings considerable Premier League experience to west London, having previously represented Manchester United, Arsenal and Watford before joining Brighton on a free transfer in 2021. The England international has scored 90 goals in 400 Premier League appearances and is Brighton’s all-time leading scorer in the competition.
His arrival is expected to strengthen Chelsea’s attacking options as Alonso looks to build his frontline around João Pedro and Welbeck. Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap and Marc Guiu could, however, leave the club either on loan or on permanent deals as Chelsea reshape their squad.
