Manchester United may need to sign a quality striker to add depth to their attack before entering the new 2026-27 season.
Chelsea have now emerged as surprise contenders to sign Brighton & Hove Albion striker Danny Welbeck this summer.
United explored the possibility of bringing the academy graduate back to Old Trafford over the past two years but ultimately chose to pursue alternative targets.
According to The Athletic, United have so far shown no indication of moving again for Welbeck.
He rose through the United academy and burst into the first team at only 17.
He went on to register 29 goals and 16 assists in 142 appearances before completing a high-profile move to Arsenal in 2014.
Benjamin Sesko is currently expected to lead the line next season, with Joshua Zirkzee serving as his primary backup.
However, the Dutchman is widely expected to leave this summer, potentially creating room for another experienced centre-forward.
Welbeck would have been a perfect signing for United
The 35-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2025-26 season, bagging his career-best numbers by scoring 14 goals and providing two assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.
With only one year remaining on his contract, Welbeck could become available for a relatively modest transfer fee.
A return to Old Trafford would likely receive a warm reception from many United supporters despite his lengthy spell with Arsenal.
The experienced marksman could share the goalscoring burden with Sesko in the Premier League, allowing the Slovenian to remain fully focused on the Champions League.
Welbeck has made a name for himself with his clever off-the-ball movement, creating space for himself before defenders even realise the danger.
United are expected to play significantly more matches than they did last season, making squad depth just as important as the quality of the starting XI.
INEOS should seriously consider entering the race because Welbeck could prove to be one of the smartest value-for-money signings available this summer.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com