RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 4 sourcesDanny Welbeck agrees terms with Chelsea ahead of surprise summer transfer
Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Danny Welbeck, according to Alex Crook. They will now try to agree a fee for his services.
The Blues are looking to add experience to their squad and are advancing in their bid to bring the English star to Stamford Bridge.
The Chelsea target bagged 13 goals in 37 Premier League appearances (26 starts) last term. He is an experienced customer.
New boss Xabi Alonso wants leaders in the squad, and rightly so. The oldest player on the Chelsea roster is 28-year-old Tosin Adarabioyo, who should be sold.
Now, the Blues are eyeing the 35-year-old who has been haunting the West Londoners for years. He has netted seven times against the Club World Cup champions.
His former boss Roberto De Zerbi believes he is ‘ such a strong player ‘.
The England international’s (42 caps) arrival would also allow Chelsea to sell Emanuel Emegha, Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson.
Emegha is yet to wear the club’s colours once, but his previous record and injury history do not suggest he can move the needle.
Injuries hampered Delap’s first season, and when he did manage to stay fit, he spent most of it assaulting players instead of leading the line. He should be sold too.
Jackson is also on the sale list after struggling for consistency. Marc Guiu seems to be on his way out too.
Welbeck can provide back-up to Joao Pedro and bring standards plus leadership to a squad that desperately needs it after years of stockpiling youth players.
Elsewhere, Chelsea are also trying to sign Jordan Henderson, another player entering the twilight of his career as they eye more leaders.
The England camp spoke highly of his leadership and ability to set the standards in the dressing room, qualities the two-time Champions League winners lack.
These deals may not be the most glamorous, but it is clear that Chelsea are pivoting from their youth-centric strategy and doing the needful.
They miss experienced players like Henderson and Welbeck to stop their petulance (see their card record last season) and add some maturity to the ranks.
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