Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has reacted after shock news emerged on Monday afternoon that Chelsea were exploring a move for Brighton & Hove Albion star, Danny Welbeck.
Ever since BlueCo took charge of Chelsea in 2022, the Blues have adopted a strict policy of signing young players in the hope that they can increase their value and sell them off for a profit. Very few players have been signed over the age of 25.
While the policy has worked from a financial point of view, it has not helped them on the pitch. Partly due to a lack of experience, Chelsea finished 10th in the 2025/26 season, missing out on European football altogether. Many fans of the club have grown frustrated with their transfer activity and believe it is holding the club back.
Following their struggles last season and following the appointment of Xabi Alonso, it appears they have changed their transfer policy. The Athletic's David Ornstein has reported that Chelsea are interested in signing Welbeck this summer.
It is said that Welbeck appeals to Alonso as a player and a leader, and that there is optimism from both sides that a deal can be struck.
Welbeck, now 35 years old, has been in fine scoring form in recent years. He recorded his best season in front of goal in 2025/26 as he scored 13 times in 37 Premier League matches.
Rio Ferdinand Reacts to Chelsea's Interest in Danny Welbeck
danny welbeck
Man United have shown interest in Welbeck in the past few years. In the 2024 summer transfer window, Erik ten Hag reportedly explored a move to bring him back to Old Trafford.
Ferdinand is desperate for United to rekindle their interest and launch a move for their academy graduate. Taking to social media, the Man Utd legend wrote:
"Welbs…. Ignore + come back home! Champions League football next season in Manchester".
Welbeck, who has been capped 42 times by England, joined Man Utd at the age of 8. He progressed through their academy and made his debut for the first team in 2008. He played 142 times for the club, scoring 29 times and helping the club to six trophies, before departing for Arsenal in 2014.
United are currently fairly light in the striker position. Benjamin Sesko, who signed for the club in a £73.7m move last summer, is currently their first-choice. Joshua Zirkzee serves as his backup, while Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha can also play centrally if needed.
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Welbeck Isn't Only Veteran Chelsea Are Interested In
Xabi AlonsoREUTERS/David Klein
Welbeck isn't the only player over the age of 30 that Chelsea are interested in signing. They explored a move for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka earlier in the summer, but the Black Cats refused to let their star man leave.
After missing out on Xhaka, Chelsea appear to have turned their attention to signing Jordan Henderson, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Romano wrote on X on Monday evening: "Chelsea lead race to sign Jordan Henderson as new midfielder, another surprise for #CFC.
"Henderson can leave Brentford on a free transfer and Chelsea are ahead in race with two more clubs for England international. Former Liverpool midfielder, open to the move."
They were also interested in signing John Stones on a free transfer following his departure from Manchester City, but it appears he is on the verge of joining Inter Milan.