Chelsea are closing in on the signings of Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck.
The remaining year of Henderson’s Brentford contract is expected to be cancelled by mutual agreement, paving the way for him to move to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer.
And striker Welbeck, 35, has been given permission by Brighton to undergo a medical at Chelsea, who have agreed a deal with the south-coast club.
Former Liverpool midfielder Henderson, 36, was signed on a free transfer 12 months ago after leaving Ajax.
He made 32 Premier League appearances for the Bees last season and was part of England’s World Cup squad.
Henderson made one appearance at the tournament, as a substitute, beforebreaking his arm falling over advertising hoardings while celebrating their last-16 win over Mexico.
Welbeck scored 13 goals for Brighton last season and has established himself as a key player for the Seagulls since joining them in 2020.
He moved to Arsenal from Manchester United in 2014 and was with the Gunners for five years before a one-year spell at Watford.
Welbeck is now set to return to the capital, where he will add vast experience to Chelsea’s attacking options.
He has a year left on his contract, having signed an extension in March, but it is understood that Brighton are not minded to stand in his way.
Chelsea look set to revamp their options up front this summer, with doubts over the futures of Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson, Emmanuel Emegha and Marc Guiu.
The signings of Welbeck and Henderson will mark a radical change of transfer policy by Chelsea under new head coach Xabi Alonso, who is keen to add experience to the squad.
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