Chelsea have opened talks over a surprise move to sign Brighton striker Danny Welbeck this summer, which has sparked talks that Man Utd could enter the race.
The Red Devils have prioritised strengthening their midfield this summer, completing deals for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, while veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow and rookie winger Tynan Thompson have also joined during the window.
But United are also looking to make more additions to the squad, including in attack to provide more depth and quality ahead of a Champions League campaign, and Welbeck is someone who has previously been of interest.
Man Utd Hijack Stance for Welbeck Deal Emerges
Danny Welbeck celebrates his goal against Nottingham Forest by blowing a kiss.
Photos courtesy of Reuters.
Welbeck, who came through the academy at Man Utd and made 142 appearances for the club, scoring 29 times, has enjoyed a career resurgence in recent years at Brighton, and enjoyed the best goalscoring season of his career in 2025/26 with 14 goals in all competitions.
The 35-year-old has held talks with Chelsea and agreed terms on a move to Stamford Bridge, with the Seagulls open to a deal for the striker to move on. Talks between the clubs remain ongoing, but there has been speculation that Man Utd could enter the race as they look for a striker to provide competition and depth for Benjamin Sesko.
However, according to Laurie Whitwell, Man Utd have shown no indication that they are looking at a deal for the England international in this window.
United had held talks over a deal to bring Welbeck back to Old Trafford in 2024 and 2025, with talks getting 'quite far down the line' last summer, before they pulled the plug and went in a different direction.
Despite a rival now showing an interest in his signature, it doesn't seem as though Man Utd will revisit that interest any time soon, as they look at alternative options - leaving Chelsea with a free run to get a deal done.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
United Must Be Sensible For Attacking Deal
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks onManchester United manager Michael Carrick via REUTERS/Scott Heppell
Welbeck returning to Old Trafford would undoubtedly be a feel-good story for the summer window, but it's a deal that wouldn't make much sense for what Man Utd are trying to build.
Could Welbeck do the job of back-up for Sesko over the course of a season? Absolutely. But it can't be forgotten that he is 35, has never been a prolific goalscorer, and would then need to be replaced himself in 12 months.
United would be better off getting a deal done for someone younger who can fill that role, or compete with Sesko to be the undisputed starter, and they're making the right decision by not letting emotion cloud their judgement on this deal.
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