Danny Wellbeck Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Brighton striker Danny Welbeck after the veteran forward was granted permission to undergo a medical at Stamford Bridge.

As reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, the 35-year-old is expected to join the Blues on a two-year contract and link up with the squad in Hong Kong next week for their pre-season tour.

Welbeck’s arrival is part of new head coach Xabi Alonso’s plan to add experience to Chelsea’s squad after the club fielded the Premier League’s youngest team over the past two seasons.

The lack of experienced players has been widely viewed as a factor in Chelsea’s inconsistent performances, culminating in a disappointing 10th-place finish and a trophyless campaign last season.

Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali admitted toward the end of last season that the club’s recruitment strategy needed a “tweak,” and the club has since shifted its focus to bringing in more proven talent.

The Blues have also made an offer for Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka, who previously worked under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, while talks continue over a move for Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson.

Meanwhile, centre-back Maxence Lacroix is set to join from Crystal Palace on a six-year deal, pending an official announcement, and 21-year-old full-back Marco Palestra has also arrived from Atalanta.

Welbeck, who previously played for Manchester United, Arsenal and Watford, joined Brighton on a free transfer in 2021. He has scored 90 goals in 400 Premier League appearances and is Brighton’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer.

His arrival would increase Chelsea’s senior striking options as the club looks to build its attack around João Pedro and Welbeck, with Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap and Marc Guiu among the players who could leave either on loan or in permanent transfers.

Dutch striker Emmanuel Emegha, who joined from sister club Strasbourg earlier this summer, is also expected to compete for a place in Alonso’s squad.

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