Chelsea have confirmed the signing of striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton and Hove Albion on a two-year deal until June 2028.

The 35-year-old forward joins the Blues after three seasons with Brighton, completing over 100 appearances for the club and establishing himself as one of the most experienced strikers in England’s top flight.

Welbeck expressed his delight at joining Chelsea, and the club described the forward as a player with “a wealth of top-level experience” whose experience and leadership will help its long-term project to strengthen the club’s attack.

“I’m really honoured to come to a club of this stature at what feels like a really exciting time. I know a few of the boys already, and I’ve had fantastic conversations with the manager and already feel that connection.

“I’ve got that fire in my belly, and I’m ready to give it everything for this club to make everyone at Chelsea, and the supporters, proud,” Welbeck said.

The forward is Chelsea’s fourth signing of the summer transfer window and also the seventh centre-forward at the club, joining João Pedro, David Fofana, Emmanuel Emegha, Marc Guiu, Liam Delap, and Nicolas Jackson. 

Welbeck’s professional career began at Manchester United in 2007, winning two Premier League titles, the League Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup under Alex Ferguson.

In September 2014, he joined Arsenal, where he scored 32 goals in 126 appearances, winning the FA Cup and Community Shield. 

He joined Watford on a free transfer in 2019, spending just a season before signing for Brighton as a free agent in October 2020, scoring 51 goals in 201 appearances for the Seagulls.