Xabi Alonso is looking to add veteran punch to his Chelsea attack.
BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella reports the Blues have opened talks with Brighton over striker Danny Welbeck.
The Manchester United academy product had a career-high 13 Premier League goals last season. Welbeck, 35, has spent the past six seasons with the Seagulls after a free transfer from Watford. The Manchester native has 46 goals in 176 league appearances for Brighton.
Kinsella notes that Welbeck has one season remaining on his current deal after rejecting an extension back in the spring. Welbeck has also spent time with United, Sunderland and Arsenal. He needs eight more league goals to reach 100.
Internationally, Welbeck has been capped 42 times by England, scoring 16 goals. While he has not appeared for the national team since 2018, Welbeck was named to England’s provisional squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Chelsea, who finished 10th in the Premier League last season, open up their 2026-2027 campaign on Aug. 24 with a visit to London rivals Fulham.
