Chelsea plot shock summer move for Danny Welbeck - Ornstein confirms

Chelsea are reportedly exploring a surprise summer move for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Danny Welbeck, with the club confident of reaching an agreement for the former England international. The 35-year-old has just one year remaining on his contract at the AMEX Stadium, and the Blues are looking to lure him away from the Seagulls ahead of Xabi Alonso's first campaign in charge in west London. According to a report from The media's Kieran Gill, Chelsea have identified Welbeck as their latest transfer target, a move now backed by transfer experts insider and insider. Talks are understood to be in the early stages, but there is optimism from both Chelsea officials and Welbeck's representatives that a deal can be finalised. Alonso has given the green light to the signing, partly due to the 35-year-old's leadership qualities. Chelsea are keen to add more experience to their first-team squad this summer, which explains their parallel interest in Granit Xhaka and John Stones. Ornstein reports that the club will listen to offers for Liam Delap and Emmanuel Emegha, despite the latter only arriving from Strasbourg in July. Marc Guiu is expected to leave either permanently or on loan, while Nicolas Jackson has been linked with an exit following a loan spell at Bayern Munich last season. David Datro Fofana is set to be sold outright, and academy prospect Shumaira Mheuka is likely to be loaned out for regular senior minutes. Brighton are aware of Chelsea's interest in Welbeck, and though no official bid has been made, the Blues are expected to ramp up their pursuit in the coming weeks. Any deal may hinge on Chelsea offloading several of their current strikers - the club currently has six senior forwards plus Mheuka. Welbeck enjoyed his best Premier League season last term, scoring 13 goals in 37 appearances. He has also netted six times in his last seven English top-flight meetings against Chelsea.