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Chelsea line up shock Welbeck swoop after Alonso green lights transfer
Jul 27 2026 18:49 · By Daniel Marsh,Senior Sports Reporter · 0 Reads
Danny Welbeck has emerged as an unlikely transfer target for Chelsea, who are in talks to sign the veteran Brighton striker.
The Blues have already been active in the transfer market this summer, making Morgan Rogers the most expensive British footballer ever in a mega-bucks £117million deal. They have also agreed a deal worth in excess of £52m for Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix — and their spending is not expected to stop there.
Xabi Alonso is pulling the strings after agreeing to become Chelsea's new manager and it seems as though he has his sights set on an experienced Premier League striker to beef up his attack.
The Mail report that Welbeck is on the Blues' radar with the 35-year-old having just 12 months left to run on his current contract with Brighton.
The Seagulls are aware of Chelsea's interest in Welbeck, who scored 13 times in 37 Premier League games last season.
Alonso is keen on landing the former Manchester United and Arsenal star, whose leadership qualities would be a significant boost to the Blues.
Welbeck started his career at Old Trafford, coming through United's academy before moving on to Arsenal. Following a year at Watford, Welbeck joined Brighton back in October of 2020 and has enjoyed his peak years on the south coast, scoring 51 goals in 201 games.
While Welbeck is settled on the south coast, the chance to join a Chelsea side who are determined to re-establish themselves among the Premier League's elite under Alonso could give the striker a chance to challenge for silverware in the twilight years of his career.
Chelsea endured a tumultous 2025-26 campaign; they parted ways with Enzo Maresca on January 1 and went on to finish 10th in the Premier League, missing out on European qualification altogether.
Alonso was lined up as Chelsea's primary managerial target after leaving Real Madrid earlier in the season. The former Liverpool midfielder started his new role earlier this month after penning a four year contract.
