FootballTransfers runs through the latest Chelsea transfer news, rumours and gossip, including updates on Danny Welbeck, Jordan Henderson and Kerim Alejbegovic.
Welbeck has emerged as a shock target for Chelsea as Xabi Alonso seeks to add experience to his young squad, with Jordan Henderson also close to joining from Brentford.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea have an agreement in principle with Welbeck over a two-year contract and a medical is expected to take place by the end of the week.
Should everything go to plan Welbeck is expected to link up with Chelsea’s squad for their pre-season tour of Hong Kong and provide some much-needed Premier League experience and goals to Alonso’s side.
Henderson has emerged as a shock target for Chelsea in recent days, with the 36-year-old’s experience being seen as invaluable for Xabi Alonso, particularly after seeing Sunderland reject an approach for Granit Xhaka.
Brentford have announced that Henderson has left the club despite having one year remaining on the contract he signed last summer, with director of football Phil Giles admitting the 36-year-old was in pursuit of a new challenge.
Giles said: “We agreed that we would sit down after the World Cup and decide what the targets would be for both the club and Jordan in the second year of the contract. Following those conversations, it was clear that Jordan’s preference was to try something different in the final years of his playing career.”
Alajbegovic had been in talks with Chelsea after the Premier League side were given permission to speak to the 18-year-old about a move but Sky Sport Germany report that the player now has a full agreement to join Juventus.
Transfer reporter Nicolo Schira has alleged that Alajbegovic turned down Chelsea due to his reluctance to initially go on loan to affiliate club Strasbourg, with the attacking midfielder wanting a key role in the first team instead.
Juventus have now struck a deal with Leverkusen believed to be worth an initial €33 million, rising to €40m with add-ons and including a sell-on clause.
The i Paper understands Nottingham Forest, Everton and Leeds United are all keen to sign Delap ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season.
And the same outlet claims all three clubs are aware of Chelsea’s asking price as Xabi Alonso’s side look to generate further revenue from selling players.
Chelsea are open to selling at least one striker amid the impending arrival of Welbeck, with offers also being considered for Nicolas Jackson and new signing Emmanuel Emegha.