Chelsea enter shock Danny Welbeck switch talks after Xabi Alonso approval
Chelsea have opened talks with Brighton over a potential transfer for Danny Welbeck, with Xabi Alonso looking to bolster his attacking options ahead of the 2026/27 season
Danny Welbeck could be on the move(Image: GLYN KIRK, AFP via Getty Images)
Danny Welbeck is in line for a shock move to Chelsea after the Blues opened discussions with Brighton over a potential transfer for the striker. Negotiations are underway between the Premier League sides with the ambition of completing a deal for the former Manchester United and Arsenal in time for the upcoming season.
Welbeck, 35, turned back the clock last season at Brighton, netting 14 goals and providing two assists across all competitions. Consequently, Chelsea’s hierarchy have started talks to secure his services for the 2026/27 season to aid their forward line.
While Joao Pedro managed to score 15 goals and provide eight assists in the Premier League, Liam Delap only found the back of the net once in 28 appearances, raising questions about his suitability for the club. Nicolas Jackson’s future is uncertain after returning from his loan at Bayern Munich.
Xabi Alonso wants experience(Image: Darren Walsh, Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
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The signing of Welbeck would add experience to Chelsea’s squad, which appears to be a priority for new boss Xabi Alonso after a failed move for Granit Xhaka and links to free agent John Stones.
When approached for comment, Brighton chose not to respond on a prospective exit for Welbeck.
Although Chelsea’s summer transfer window got off to a slow start, it now seems as though the club’s top brass have started to set things in motion.
In addition to the signings of Dastan Satpaev, Denner, Emmanuel Emegha, Geovany Quenda and Marco Palestra, Chelsea recently unveiled the £117million acquisition of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.
Chelsea want some experience in their squad(Image: Steve Bardens, Getty Images)
The adaptable attacking midfielder has inked a deal at Stamford Bridge until 2033, arriving as one of the Premier League’s most promising young stars.
Discussing his move on the official Chelsea website, Rogers said: “I’m so excited. For me, Chelsea are the biggest club in London and a club I’ve always admired since I was a kid.
“I’m really excited about the project with the new manager, the players we’ve got and where the club is heading. That’s why I’m here and I can’t wait to get started.”
Alonso was swift to outline his vision for the Englishman. He informed the press: “In that position we needed an important player and I’m sure there were not many better options than Morgan Rogers.
“You need players who can have that almost instant impact and I’m sure Morgan won’t need much time to adapt to the club, the system and his team-mates. That was the idea, to get a top player, and Morgan is one of them.”
