Chelsea are on the verge of completing a deal to bring Danny Welbeck to Stamford Bridge from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Seagulls have given the 35-year-old striker the green light to take a medical, which is anticipated before the end of the week.
Should everything proceed smoothly, Welbeck would link up with the Chelsea squad in Hong Kong.
The two parties have reached an agreement in principle over a two-year contract, with the forward having already accepted the personal terms put to him.
Chelsea are on the brink of signing Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson
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Substantial progress has been made in negotiations between the clubs over the past day, and all sides now expect the transfer to be wrapped up later this week. The precise financial details of the arrangement between the two clubs have not yet emerged.
The move comes after Chelsea abandoned their efforts to recruit Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka. Xabi Alonso’s side had tabled an £8 million bid for the Swiss midfielder, which the Black Cats turned down.
Despite further discussions, the 33-year-old chose to remain on Wearside to spearhead Sunderland’s first European campaign in more than half a century. Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris confirmed following his side’s 4-2 defeat to Liverpool in Nashville that Chelsea’s pursuit had concluded, emphasising Xhaka’s dedication to the club.
The midfielder himself reinforced that message during Switzerland’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals, stating that his family were settled in the north-east and that he was determined to make history with Sunderland.
Having failed to land Xhaka, Alonso has shifted his attention towards seasoned professionals who can provide leadership within Chelsea’s youthful squad. This represents a notable departure from the club’s recent recruitment strategy, which had focused predominantly on players under the age of 25.
Xabi Alonso wants to add experience to his Chelsea squad | REUTERS
Jordan Henderson, the 36-year-old midfielder available on a free transfer after an impressive campaign at Brentford, is now firmly in Chelsea’s sights.
Several top-flight rivals are also interested in the former England captain, but the Blues are regarded as the clear frontrunners to secure his signature.
The twin pursuit of Henderson and Welbeck underscores Alonso’s desire to blend experience with the younger talent already at his disposal as he shapes the squad for his first full season in charge.
Danny Welbeck is top of Chelsea’s wish list this summer to bolster their strike force | GETTY
Welbeck has been a standout performer during his six seasons at the Amex Stadium, netting 51 goals and registering 18 assists across 201 appearances since arriving from Watford in 2020.
His 13 Premier League goals last term represented a career-best return as Brighton secured eighth place and a Conference League berth.
At Stamford Bridge, he would vie with Joao Pedro for a place in the starting eleven. His signing is expected to push Marc Guiu further down the pecking order, casting serious doubt over the young forward’s future in west London.
Chelsea’s hierarchy are understood to want at least two strikers moved on before the window closes, with the futures of Emmanuel Emegha, Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson also uncertain.
