Chelsea's transfer strategy is subtly shifting away from the scattergun spending that has characterised much of the BlueCo era thus far.
Under Xabi Alonso, who wields more power than his predecessors at Stamford Bridge, it feels like Chelsea have a plan. They are no longer hurtling down the track, and are instead ironing out the creases that remain after a tenth-place Premier League finish in 2025/26.
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Even having spent a record-breaking fee on Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, Chelsea's approach was measured, his proposed role within the system clearly defined.
It's solved a big issue in west London, but there are more to deal with. Chelsea need to sort things out at centre-forward.
How Alonso is fixing Chelsea's attack
Last season, Joao Pedro finished the campaign with 20 goals in all competitions. He was Chelsea's top scorer, but there's still a sense that Alonso has stepped into a team lacking fundamentals in attack.
The £117m signing of Rogers will certainly help, with Sky Sports' Jamie Redknapp hailing the Three Lions attacking midfielder as "one of the world's best". His ball-striking ability and tireless running adds a dimension at Stamford Bridge, with Alejandro Garnacho cleared out and sent the other way.
Across two-and-a-half years at Villa Park under Unai Emery's management, Rogers scored 31 goals and supplied 29 assists, a unique and powerful outlet down the left side or centre, wherever he was deployed.
More is needed, though. Pedro is an excellent player, but he's a certain breed of attacker, and Chelsea perhaps need more of a focal point at number nine to contrast. They do have two such players in Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap, but Alonso doesn't seem keen on either straggler, both of whom have struggled at Stamford Bridge since arriving and may be sold in the coming weeks.
The Spanish tactician requires a more focal presence, someone who can connect and add presence in the final third. It's no use being rueful about it, but someone like Kai Havertz would be perfect, though the German was sold to Arsenal for £65m in 2023.
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Should the aforementioned strikers be sold, the Blues will need to bring over a replacement, someone who could contrast with the likes of Pedro and instil some much-needed experience and sureness when in front of goal.
Chelsea closing in on shrewd striker signing
Last season, Delap only scored one goal for Chelsea. Alonso needs a more dynamic and productive presence, and while Havertz is obviously a no-go, his impact could be mimicked in west London, should Chelsea pull off a surprise move for Danny Welbeck.
According to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Brighton striker Danny Welbeck, with the 35-year-old keen on the move to Stamford Bridge.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Danny Welbeck celebrates scoring their second goal
Talks are not yet at an advanced stage, but there is confidence from all parties that a deal will be done, Welbeck heading into the final year of his contract at the AMEX.
Welbeck is a veteran of the game, and while this might not be the most enthralling rumour for the Blues, there is a lot to like about it, with Welbeck coming off a fantastic season on the south coast.
The Seagulls striker scored 13 goals in the Premier League, but he also created four big chances and completed 10.4 passes on average each game (with a 79% success rate) - which is evidence of maturity on the ball and in his attacking berth that has allowed him to age like fine wine in the Premier League.
Believe it or not, the Three Lions star has scored seven times against Chelsea in the Premier League. He loves a goal against the Blues, so in a way, Alonso is killing two birds with one stone here, adding a shrewd, Havertz-esque attacking dimension while eliminating a pesky threat.
These are, of course, differing profiles, but the 6 foot 1 Welbeck presses with an intensity that belies his ageing years, working tirelessly for his team.
Danny Welbeck - Career Stats by Club
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Brighton
Man United
Arsenal
Sunderland
Watford
Preston
It's exactly what Chelsea need. Alonso needs someone to ease the pressure on Pedro and provide a strong presence in front of goal. Havertz, who scored the winning goal as Chelsea beat Manchester City to win the 2021 Champions League, only scored 32 goals across 139 games for the Blues, but he also added dynamism and connected the dots together.
A fine finisher, Welbeck is so much more than just a poacher. Throughout his long and storied career, he has regularly picked out teammates with assists. He is an intelligent forward with smart movement and link-up play which is smarter still.
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He might not have Havertz's youth, but Alonso knows what he's doing here. Chelsea are no longer scattergun spenders, and by landing Welbeck, they might just add the shrewd attacking signing needed to balance things out and permit them to challenge for titles once again.
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