Chelsea sign Danny Welbeck from Brighton on two-year deal

Chelsea have signed experienced striker Danny Welbeck from fellow Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion on a two-year contract, with the 35-year-old set to join Xabi Alonso’s squad for the club’s pre-season tour.

The London club confirmed the move on Saturday, although no financial details were disclosed.

Welbeck scored 14 goals in 40 appearances in all competitions for Brighton last season. He arrives at Stamford Bridge having made 400 Premier League appearances during a career that has also taken him to Manchester United, Arsenal and Watford.

“I’m really honoured to come to a club of this stature at what feels like a really exciting time. I know a few of the boys already and I’ve had fantastic conversations with the manager and already feel that connection,” Welbeck said in a statement.

“I’ve got that fire in my belly and I’m ready to give it everything for this club to make everyone at Chelsea, and the supporters, proud.”

Welbeck came through the Manchester United academy and made his first-team debut in 2008. During his time at Old Trafford, he won the Premier League title under Alex Ferguson and lifted two League Cups.

He moved to Arsenal in 2014 and scored 32 goals in 126 appearances across all competitions during a five-year spell with the club. After spending a season at Watford, Welbeck joined Brighton in 2020 and established himself as an important player for the south-coast side.

His Brighton record included 14 goals last term in 40 matches, and his arrival gives Chelsea another experienced attacking option as they prepare for the new campaign.

Welbeck also earned 42 England caps and scored 16 goals for his country during an international career spanning eight years.

Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season and will begin the new campaign away to Fulham on 24 August.

The forward’s move represents a return to London after his previous spell with Arsenal, while his lengthy experience in the Premier League adds another established figure to Chelsea’s squad.

Chelsea will now take Welbeck on their pre-season tour, where he will begin working with Alonso and his new team-mates ahead of the opening league fixture.

The club did not reveal the fee involved in the transfer.

Reuters