Chelsea Eyes Unexpected Striker Reinforcement: 35-Year-Old on Radar

Welbeck netted 13 goals in 37 Premier League appearances last season. He has one year remaining on his contract with Brighton, but the club is reportedly open to releasing him for a suitable fee. His potential arrival could increase the likelihood of Liam Delap or Nicolas Jackson departing Stamford Bridge.

Delap is currently behind Joao Pedro in the pecking order of strikers, with Pedro scoring 15 league goals in his debut season. Jackson spent the last campaign on loan at Bayern Munich, and Aston Villa has expressed interest in his services. Delap joined Chelsea a year ago from Ipswich for £30 million but failed to make a significant impact in his first season.

A potential move for Welbeck would signal a shift in Chelsea's transfer strategy under new manager Xabi Alonso. The former Manchester United and Arsenal player boasts over 400 Premier League appearances and would represent a departure from the club's recent focus on young, promising talents.