Chelsea have targeted experienced Premier League campaigners Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck in the hope of strengthening their young squad by adding an experienced core ahead of the new season.
The Blues showed glimpses of the brilliant, along with the disastrous in what was a turbulent 2025-26 campaign.
New boss Xabi Alonso is known for unearthing gems in his youthful managerial career, and with the potential of Henderson and Welbeck’s arrivals for more experience, their inclusion in his squad will be a welcomed one.
What Welbeck and Henderson bring to the Blues
Welbeck, now 35 years old, continued his impressive form for Brighton last season with 13 Premier League goals.
The English striker only has one year remaining on his deal with the Seagulls, meaning the Chelsea higher-ups may be able to secure a deal at a cut-price fee.
Nicolas Jackson, who was at loan at Bayern Munich last season, and the struggling Liam Delap are both expected to leave the club prior to the new campaign.
This means Welbeck will be an experienced head behind star Joao Pedro, whose 15-goal Premier League season no doubt cements him as the club’s number one striker.
Henderson, on the other hand, will likely be even more differential, but with Chelsea’s midfield often struggling to see out games due to a lack of game management in their locker – his place in matchday squads could prove valuable.
The midfield veteran brings heaps of experience, having won big trophies with Liverpool.
Chelsea acquiring the midfielder may also be on a free transfer, with Brentford open to letting Henderson leave after he enjoyed a successful season with the Bees.
Chelsea’s key signings so far
The Blues have already attained the services of attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa and the pending transfer of centre-back Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace.
Both are likely to be starting players for Chelsea, with Henderson and Welbeck reinforcing the Blues’ development through their leadership.
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