Brighton are open to selling Danny Welbeck after Chelsea opened talks over a surprise move for the striker.
The transfer could advance if the Blues meet Albion’s valuation for a player entering the final year of his contract.
Press Association sources report that Chelsea are optimistic about reaching an agreement. Welbeck scored 13 Premier League goals in 37 appearances last season, the best league return of his career.
The 35-year-old signed a new 12-month Brighton deal in March, extending his stay until summer 2027. However, Albion are understood to be willing to sanction a departure for the right price.
Danny Welbeck transfer would leave Brighton decision
Welbeck remains Brighton’s most experienced centre-forward and has made more than 200 appearances for the club. His leadership and reliability have helped Fabian Hürzeler manage a young attacking group.
Chelsea’s approach arrives as Charalampos Kostoulas pushes for a larger role. ReadBrighton recently reported that the Greece international has been backed to receive regular starts after scoring twice against Wycombe Wanderers during pre-season.
Kostoulas could benefit directly if Welbeck leaves, while Stefanos Tzimas is also returning from injury. Brighton must decide whether those young options provide enough depth for a campaign which includes European football.
Welbeck has become increasingly important rather than fading towards the end of his career. He scored twice during Brighton’s 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge last season and finished as the club’s leading Premier League scorer.
The move would offer Welbeck another opportunity with a leading English club. Chelsea want experience and leadership after focusing heavily on younger signings during recent transfer windows.
Brighton are not under pressure to sell because Welbeck remains under contract. However, accepting a suitable offer could create more minutes for Kostoulas and allow Albion to reinvest in another forward.
The Danny Welbeck transfer now depends on Chelsea agreeing a fee. Losing him would remove goals and experience, but Brighton have already started preparing the next generation of their attack.
