Chelsea are finalising a deal to sign Danny Welbeck from Brighton and Xabi Alonso has been told exactly what to expect from the 35-year-old
13:10, 29 Jul 2026
Xabi Alonso will soon welcome Danny Welbeck to Chelsea. And the striker's manager at Brighton, Fabian Hurzeler, has already made it clear that the 35-year-old is an elite, commendable professional.
In his first summer in charge at Stamford Bridge, Alonso's squad has already been bolstered by several signings, none more influential than British record transfer Morgan Rogers.
Adding a striker is next on the agenda and the Blues are finalising a deal to bring Welbeck in from Brighton. football.london understands he is all set to sign a two-year deal with Chelsea, personal terms have been agreed and he has permission to complete a medical.
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During his time on the south coast, Welbeck became Brighton's all-time leading Premier League goalscorer, finding the back of the net 46 times. Exactly half of those strikes came under Hurzeler and the German manager couldn't sing his striker's praises enough when asked about him in May.
As the last Premier League season came to a close, Welbeck made his 400th top-flight appearance against former club Manchester United. Before the game, Hurzeler was questioned about Welbeck.
Welbeck had ambitions of making Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup, though he eventually lost out with Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins as back-up to Harry Kane. Nevertheless, Hurzeler was quick to commend Welbeck and indicated that even being in the running for a seat on the plane was indicative of his character.
Hurzeler said: "I think it's a sign of his professionalism, of how hard he works, of his daily work ethic. I'm really happy for Danny for his season."
Asked for a favourite Welbeck moment, he added: "It's difficult to point out one thing. For me, what stands out is the development from him, the process he went through. I think in the last two seasons, he scored the most goals ever.
"He played the most minutes ever in the Premier League and therefore it shows that, even when you get older, you still have a chance that you can improve, that you can achieve things."
Now, Welbeck is poised to become Chelsea's latest summer arrival. It is understood that, should things go smoothly and he completes his medical, he will link up with Alonso's squad on their pre-season tour and fly to Hong Kong.
Alonso and the club's directors are targeting 'ready-made' talent this summer after making an initial batch of signings, with Jordan Henderson also eyed. Talks are underway over a move for the 36-year-old.
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