Brighton's Welbeck set for Chelsea medical

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Brighton striker Danny Welbeck has been cleared to undergo a medical at Stamford Bridge, bringing a proposed move to Chelsea closer. The report says the 35-year-old is expected to join up with Chelsea in Hong Kong next week during pre-season and is preparing to sign a two-year deal.

According to BBC Sport, the move fits into new manager Xabi Alonso’s effort to add more experience to a Chelsea squad that has been the Premier League’s youngest over the past two seasons. The article links that shift to concerns that Chelsea’s emphasis on younger players has contributed to uneven performances and a lack of sustained challenges for major trophies. It also notes that co-owner Behdad Eghbali said late last season that the club’s recruitment approach needed adjusting after Chelsea finished 10th without silverware.

BBC Sport says Chelsea have also pursued or completed other deals involving more experienced players, including an offer for Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka, talks over Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson, and the signing of centre-back Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace pending announcement. The club have also brought in Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa and full-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta.

Welbeck, a former Manchester United and Arsenal forward, joined Brighton from Watford in 2021 and is described by BBC Sport as Brighton’s leading Premier League scorer, with 90 goals in 400 top-flight appearances overall. His arrival would add to Chelsea’s crowded striker group, with BBC Sport identifying Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap and Marc Guiu as players who could potentially leave either permanently or on loan.