Chelsea set to sign Welbeck after medical approval

Chelsea is getting closer to signing Brighton striker Danny Welbeck. The 35-year-old has received permission to undergo a medical at Stamford Bridge.

BBC Sport reported on Wednesday that Welbeck is likely to join Chelsea on a two-year deal. He will meet the squad in Hong Kong next week for their pre-season tour.

Welbeck's move is part of new coach Xabi Alonso’s plan to bring more experience to the Chelsea team. The club has had the youngest team in the Premier League for the last two seasons.

Many believe the lack of experienced players hurt Chelsea's performance last season. The team finished in 10th place and did not win any trophies.

Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali admitted at the end of last season that they needed to adjust their recruitment strategy. The club is now focused on bringing in more seasoned players.

The Blues have also made an offer for Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka. He previously worked with Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen. Talks are ongoing for Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson as well.

In other news, centre-back Maxence Lacroix is expected to join Chelsea from Crystal Palace on a six-year deal. This is pending an official announcement. Also, 21-year-old full-back Marco Palestra has joined from Atalanta.

Welbeck has played for Manchester United, Arsenal, and Watford before joining Brighton on a free transfer in 2021. He has scored 90 goals in 400 Premier League matches and is Brighton’s all-time leading scorer in the league.

His addition would boost Chelsea’s attacking options. The club hopes to build their attack around João Pedro and Welbeck. Players like Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap, and Marc Guiu could leave on loan or in permanent transfers.

Dutch striker Emmanuel Emegha, who joined from sister club Strasbourg earlier this summer, is also expected to fight for a spot in Alonso’s squad.