Chelsea Transfer News Today: Welbeck talks begin as Alonso confirms plan

Updated: 27 Jul 2026 19:50 BST | 6 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

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FootballTransfers runs through the latest Chelsea transfer news, rumours and gossip, including updates on Danny Welbeck and Alex Scott.

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Danny Welbeck interest

Chelsea are reportedly exploring a potential summer move for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Danny Welbeck, and they are confident of reaching an agreement for the ex-England international.

Welbeck, 35, has just one year remaining on his current contract at the AMEX Stadium and Chelsea are keen to lure him away from the Seagulls ahead of Xabi Alonso’s first season in charge in west London.

Chelsea have identified Welbeck as a key summer transfer target, as per a report from The Daily Mail’s Kieran Gill, and this has been confirmed by transfer news experts David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano.

It’s understood that talks are currently in the early stages, but there is optimism from both Chelsea officials and Welbeck’s representatives that an agreement can be finalised, with Alonso having endorsed the signing in part thanks to the 35-year-old’s leadership.

In their search for experience, the Blues have also opened talks with Jordan Henderson, according to Ornstein. Brentford would be willing to let him move to Stamford Bridge for free despite his contract running until 2027.

Compared

Danny Welbeck

F (C)

Brighton

Danny Welbeck

F (C)

Brighton

VS

Jordan Henderson

DM, M (C)

Brentford

Jordan Henderson

DM, M (C)

Brentford

€3.8M	ETV	€2M
€3M - €4.5M	ETV Range	€1.6M - €2.4M
35 years old (26 Nov, 1990)	Age	36 years old (17 Jun, 1990)
England	Nationality	England

Xabi Alonso provided major update

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has admitted that he expects the club to be extremely busy in the market until the end of Transfer Deadline Day on 1 September.

Speaking to reporters about his side’s upcoming business, Alonso said: “We have to be ready. The market is open for a few weeks.

“We need to be aware of different positions, different situations, so for sure, we have a plan, an idea, and we need to assess in the right moments. We can’t say what’s going to happen but some things might happen. We need to know that probably there will still be some movements. We need to be flexible and quick to act.

“The main thing is that we have a clear idea, a clear plan that we have built. Probably it will change until the last day of the market being open.

“We want to build a competitive team. We are in that process. We have great quality, great talent, and we need to know what it takes to compete in the Premier League. We want a squad with the right balance between quality and mentality.”

Second Alex Scott bid prepared

Chelsea are reportedly ready to lodge a fresh offer for Bournemouth star Alex Scott after seeing their opening bid of €75 million rejected.

The 22-year-old was one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders last season, as Bournemouth achieved their best-ever top-flight finish, and he has rejected a contract extension offer amid significant transfer interest from a number of top clubs.

Scott is viewed as a key midfield target by the Chelsea hierarchy, following the sale of Andrey Santos to Manchester United, and they are expected to ramp up their pursuit of his signature once they finalise the arrival of Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix.

Bournemouth are determined to keep Scott until at least next summer, but their resolve is set to be further tested as Chelsea are now considering a second bid, according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Kerim Alajbegovic agreement close

Chelsea are close to reaching a full agreement to sign Bayer Leverkusen winger Kerim Alajbegovic following his exploits for Bosnia and Herzegovina at the World Cup.

That is according to Bild (via Sport Witness), who claim that a bid worth €40m has been lodged and terms are close to being agreed between the two clubs.

However, Chelsea are yet to finalise personal terms with Alajbegovic amid serious competition from Serie A giants Juventus.

Enzo Fernandez latest

Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez this summer, as per a report from TEAMtalk.

Diego Simeone’s side are currently assessing whether a deal is financially viable, but their position could change if they decide to sell Barcelona target Julian Alvarez in order to raise funds.

Meanwhile, Manchester City are also keeping close tabs on the Argentina international ahead of a potential bid, although Real Madrid have withdrawn from contention to sign him.

Chelsea eye Gerard Martin

Chelsea have added Barcelona star Gerard Martin to their list of transfer targets, according to CaughtOffside.

The Spanish defender, who can play at centre-back or left-back, has reportedly emerged as a target for Chelsea in recent days and they are ready to battle AC Milan for his signature this summer.

Barcelona currently have no intention of allowing Martin to depart, but they could be forced to sanction a sale if they receive a suitable offer.