Chelsea Target Henderson and Welbeck in Surprise Move for Experience

Chelsea are in talks to sign experienced duo Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck as the club looks to add more leadership to its squad.

The Blues are discussing a deal for 36-year-old midfielder Henderson, who has one year left on his Brentford contract. Brentford are willing to let him leave on a free transfer.

Chelsea are also working on a move for Brighton striker Danny Welbeck. The 35-year-old is interested in joining Stamford Bridge, and there is growing confidence that an agreement can be reached.

The club’s move for the two veterans comes after co-owner Behdad Eghbali admitted earlier this year that Chelsea’s policy of signing mainly young players needs some changes. The club now wants to add more experienced players to the squad.

Welbeck enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career last term, scoring 13 Premier League goals in 37 matches for Brighton. Since joining from Watford in 2020, he has scored 51 goals in 201 appearances for the Seagulls. He signed a one-year contract extension in March, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2026-27 season.

Henderson joined Brentford from Ajax and made 34 appearances in all competitions last season. He also featured for England at the FIFA World Cup before suffering a broken arm while celebrating the team’s last-16 victory over Mexico.

Chelsea’s interest in Henderson and Welbeck could affect the futures of several attackers already at the club. Joao Pedro is seen as the first-choice striker, while Liam Delap, Emmanuel Emegha, Marc Guiu and Nicolas Jackson all face uncertain futures.

Guiu is available for either a permanent move or a loan, while Jackson is open to leaving after attracting interest from Aston Villa. Delap is also expected to move on despite hoping to impress new manager Xabi Alonso, and Emegha’s future remains unclear.

Chelsea have already signed Morgan Rogers for a club-record £117 million and full-back Marco Palestra this summer. They are also close to completing a deal for defender Maxence Lacroix.

The possible arrivals of Henderson and Welbeck suggest Chelsea are changing their transfer strategy by combining young talent with experienced players as they aim to improve after finishing 10th in the Premier League last season.