Targeting Welbeck signals change in strategy at Chelsea
- Published
Danny Welbeck joining Chelsea from Brighton would be another sign of a shift in strategy at Stamford Bridge this summer.
Their move for the 35-year-old striker follows the attempt to sign 33-year-old midfielder Granit Xhaka from Sunderland, with the Black Cats refusing to sell the Switzerland captain.
Although the arrival of Morgan Rogers, 23, fits the club's preferred policy of signing younger players, the former Aston Villa man brings significant Premier League experience.
The Blues are also expected to complete a £52m move for Crystal Palace defender Lacroix, 26, to add further Premier League-ready experience.
However, Welbeck's arrival would leave Chelsea with an abundance of attacking options despite not being involved in European competition.
At his age, Welbeck may be content to provide cover for Joao Pedro, but the move would represent bad news for several other forwards.
Nicolas Jackson is open to leaving, while Liam Delap and Emmanuel Emegha had hoped to establish themselves under Xabi Alonso.
Nevertheless, the new Chelsea manager is getting what he wants: experience and strong personalities to address shortcomings that contributed to the team's 10th-place finish in the Premier League last season.