Danny Welbeck: Chelsea in talks to sign Brighton forward

Chelsea We are in advanced negotiations to sign Brighton forward Danny Welbeck.

The 35-year-old is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge and there is optimism on the Chelsea side that a deal can be achieved.

According to influential team owner Behdad Eghbali in April, the Blues are seeking experience because of the recognition that the model of signing young players needs “fine-tuning” and Welbeck could be a good choice.

He scored a career-high 13 league goals in 37 appearances for Brighton last season and has now reached 51 goals in 201 appearances since joining from Watford in 2020.

Brighton declined to comment.

Welbeck signed a 12-month contract extension in March and his current deal runs until the end of the 2026-27 season.

While Joao Pedro is thought to be the club’s first choice, there are questions about the future of several Chelsea forwards.

Chelsea also have Liam Delap, Emmanuel Emegha, Marc Guiu and Nicolas Jackson on their books.

Guiu is understood to be available either on a permanent transfer or on loan, with Chelsea valuing him at around £25 million.

Jackson, who returned to the club on loan at Bayern Munich, was expected to stay at Stamford Bridge, but is open to leaving due to interest from Aston Villa.

Delap has been keen to work under the new manager, just a year after his £30 million move from Ipswich, but is increasingly expected to leave.

There is also uncertainty over the future of Dutch striker Emegha, despite having just joined Chelsea from Strasbourg, a club under the same ownership group.

Chelsea have signed attacker Morgan Rogers and full-back Marco Palestra for a club-record £117m and are close to signing centre-back Maxence Lacroix this summer.