Danny Welbeck is in talks to join Chelsea in a surprise move from Brighton, with Manchester United also previously considering re-signing the former academy striker.
Manchester United had previously made moves to re-sign Danny Welbeck (Image: GLYN KIRK, AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United have not confirmed whether they are considering a new move to re-sign Danny Welbeck, who is currently in contract negotiations with Chelsea.
The 35-year-old striker is a United academy graduate who joined Arsenal for £16 million in 2014 after representing the club in the Premier League. Welbeck has spent the last six years at Brighton and has scored 23 league goals for the Seagulls over the past two seasons.
Welbeck’s strong form last season, coupled with his wealth of top-level experience and leadership qualities, has made him a surprise transfer target for Chelsea as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.
The Blues and Brighton are currently in talks to sign Welbeck, whose contract on the south coast expires next year.
Interestingly, Manchester United are also looking to sign a striker this summer. However, according to The Athletic, there is currently nothing to suggest there are any plans to hijack Chelsea’s move for Welbeck.
However, United have been in talks with Welbeck about a romantic return to Old Traffic in both 2024 and 2025. Talks to bring the veteran home were said to have gone “quite far” last year, with United eventually signing Benjamin Sesco to strengthen their attack.
Chelsea are currently in talks to sign Welbeck from Brighton (Image: Izzy Poles/AMA)
The interest in Welbeck stems from his impact since joining Brighton, who qualified for the Europa Conference League last season. Welbeck became the Premier League’s top scorer with 13 goals.
Welbeck, who narrowly missed out on England’s World Cup squad, is seen as a quality support option for Chelsea’s first-choice striker Joao Pedro. Welbeck previously played with the Brazilian at Brighton and if the move goes through he would become the eighth player to move between clubs in recent years.
In addition to signing Welbeck, Chelsea are also working on a deal to sign veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson from Brentford on a free transfer. The 36-year-old still has one year left on the contract he signed when he joined the Bees last summer.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Bet for free at William Hill Shop Inside the Mirror every day at Glorious Goodwood
The Mirror has everything you need to celebrate Glorious Goodwood. In addition to the £2 William Hill Shop bet you can enjoy for free every day during the festival, we also include daily draws from trusted pundits. Don’t miss it! You can pick up your newspaper from Tuesday, July 28, 2026 through Saturday, August 1, 2026.
