Chelsea are in advanced negotiations to bring Brighton striker Danny Welbeck to Stamford Bridge, with the 35-year-old understood to be eager to join the club under new manager Xabi Alonso.

The move reflects a deliberate shift in recruitment strategy at Chelsea. Owner Behdad Eghbali acknowledged in April that the club's model of signing young players requires a "tweak," and the experienced Welbeck appears to fit the profile the Blues are now targeting.

Welbeck enjoyed his finest goalscoring season in professional football last term, netting 13 league goals in 37 appearances for Brighton — a career-high figure. Since joining the Seagulls from Watford in 2020, the England international has contributed 51 goals across 201 matches.

Brighton have declined to comment on the potential departure. Welbeck signed a 12-month contract extension in March, meaning his current deal runs until the close of the 2026-27 season.