David Ornstein issues Danny Welbeck update after shock Chelsea and Brighton claim

Brighton are bracing themselves for an incoming bid from Chelsea for striker Danny Welbeck.

Welbeck, 35, is a key man for the Seagulls and the veteran netted 13 goals and one assist in the Premier League last term from 37 appearances.

The former Manchester United man made 26 top flight starts for Fabian Hurzeler's men and new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso is keen to add experience to his expensively assembled but youthful squad.

Transfer expert David Ornstein posted: "Chelsea exploring move to sign Danny Welbeck from Brighton & Hove Albion. Terms end 2027 & #BHAFC aware of interest. Early stage but optimism on all sides deal can be done; quality + leadership appeals to Alonso."

Welbeck is contracted with Brighton until 2027 and his former club Manchester United had previously shown interest in taking him back to Old Trafford.

He arrived at Brighton on a free transfer in 2020 after an injury hit spell at Watford. Welbeck has totalled 201 appearances for Brighton with 51 goals and 18 assists.

Sussex World verdict

Losing Welbeck would be a huge blow for Brighton. For the past two seasons he has easily been Brighton’s best and most reliable attacker. In the 2024-25 campaign Welbeck hit double figures in the Premier League for the first time in his career with 10 goals and surpassed that last term with 13 goals in the top flight.

He is also a leader within Fabian Hurzeler’s group and a huge influence on Albion’s array of talented youngsters - which is a main reason why Alonso wants him at Stamford Bridge.

Brighton have already lost a lot of experience this summer as James Milner retired and Solly March, Joel Veltman and Adam Webster all left on the expiration of their contracts.

Welbeck though - despite his age - continues to do the business on the pitch and Brighton, as it stands, simply do not have a replacement. Last summer they sold Joao Pedro to Chelsea for £60m and Welbeck was the man who stepped-up.

Georginio struggled

£40m striker Georginio struggled badly at Brighton last term and Greek front runner Charalampos Kostoulas is largely untested at Premier League level.

Kostoulas has shown glimpses of his potential and has also started well in pre-season but he perhaps is not quite ready to lead the line in the Premier League on a regular basis. Stefanos Tzimas is also an unknown quantity as he continues to work his way back from a serious ACL injury.

Evan Ferguson also remains on the books at Brighton. The Ireland international was on loan at Roma last term but that was cut short due to ankle injury.

Ferguson underwent successful surgery but as yet has not been seen in pre-season with Brighton. His future at the club remains uncertain.

If they lose Welbeck, Brighton would likely dip into the market but they may well find him a tricky man to replace.

Chelsea and Brighton transfers since 2022

Chelsea clearly like the way Brighton go about their business - so much so they have tried to buy most of it.

Since Todd Boehly arrived at Stamford Bridge in May 2022, the Blues have sent almost £300m Brighton's way - enough to pay for the entire Amex Stadium and their impressive Elite Football Performance Training Centre.

Critics say Brighton have become a feeder club to Chelsea, while deputy chairman and chief executive Paul Barber simply says, "Chelsea are our best customers."

Despite losing some excellent players, Albion have done pretty well from the arrangement.

It has enabled them to reinvest in young talent, while staying competitive in the Premier League. It's a fine balancing act and so far, for the most part, Brighton have just about got it spot on.

To Chelsea from Brighton: Marc Cucurella - £63m, Moises Caicedo - £115m, Robert Sanchez - £25m, Joao Pedro - £60m, Facundo Buonanotte - £2m (loan), Julio Enciso - £13.8m (BlueCo-owned Strasbourg) and even manager Graham Potter - £21m.