On Saturday, August 1, 2026, Chelsea announced the signing of experienced striker Danny Welbeck from fellow Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion on a two-year contract.

Welbeck, 35, scored 14 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions for Brighton last season. He is set to join Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso's squad on the club's pre-season tour.

Welbeck expressed his enthusiasm about the move, stating, "I’m really honoured to come to a club of this stature at what feels like a really exciting time. I know a few of the boys already and I’ve had fantastic conversations with the manager and already feel that connection. I’ve got that fire in my belly and I'm ready to give it everything for this club to make everyone at Chelsea, and the supporters, proud."

A product of Manchester United's academy, Welbeck broke into the first team in 2008 and won the Premier League title under Alex Ferguson, as well as two League Cups. He joined Arsenal in 2014, scoring 32 goals in 126 appearances over five years before spending a season at Watford. Welbeck has also scored 16 goals for England during an eight-year international career.

Welbeck arrives at Stamford Bridge with 400 Premier League appearances to his name. Chelsea, who finished 10th in the Premier League last season, will begin their new campaign at Fulham on August 24, 2026.

Sources