Chelsea targeting shock move for ex-Arsenal & Man Utd star Danny Welbeck, 35, in huge steer away from transfer policy

CHELSEA are in talks with Brighton over a shock deal to sign striker Danny Welbeck. New Blues boss Xabi Alonso is keen to add experience to his side this summer. Chelsea are interested in landing Danny Welbeck Credit: Reuters The striker scored 13 goals last season Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Welbeck, 35, scored 13 goals in 37 appearances for the Seagulls last season. Chelsea have a number of strikers on their books already, with Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Marc Guiu on their pre-season tour of Australia and Asia. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Nicolas Jackson is currently due to join up with the squad in Hong Kong after his holiday. Jackson, however, is a target for Aston Villa with Chelsea valuing him at £65million. Emmanuel Emegha has also joined from sister club Strasbourg this summer. Former Manchester United and Arsenal marksman Welbeck enjoyed a stellar season for the Seagulls last term, coming close to an England recall. Alonso has identified a need for more experienced players to create a stronger mentality within the club. That was evidenced by a failed move for Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka, who won the German title under Alonso. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Chelsea’s interest in Welbeck comes after the former Real Madrid chief admitted to expecting more arrivals before the transfer window slams shut. Alonso said: “We have to be ready. The market is open for a few weeks. “We need to be aware of different positions, different situations, so for sure, we have a plan, an idea, and we need to assess in the right moments. “We can’t say what’s going to happen but some things might happen. “We need to know that probably there will still be some movements. We need to be flexible and quick to act. “The main thing is that we have a clear idea, a clear plan that we have built. Probably it will change until the last day of the market being open. “We want to build a competitive team. We are in that process. We have great quality, great talent, and we need to know what it takes to compete in the Premier League. “We want a squad with the right balance between quality and mentality.” Comment now