Chelsea are reportedly preparing to sign veteran England internationals Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck as the club looks to add experience to Xabi Alonso’s squad.
The pair, aged 36 and 35 respectively, have emerged as surprise targets for the Blues as they seek to balance their squad with experienced players following years of prioritising young talents.
According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are close to reaching agreements on personal terms with both players.
Henderson, who has one year remaining on his contract with Brentford, could be allowed to leave the club on a free transfer.
The former England midfielder joined Brentford from Ajax and made 34 appearances across all competitions last season.
Welbeck, meanwhile, is reportedly keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea said to be optimistic about completing a deal for the Brighton & Hove Albion striker.
The former England international enjoyed one of the most productive seasons of his career last term, scoring a personal-best 13 league goals in 37 appearances for Brighton.
Welbeck has scored 51 goals in 201 appearances for the club since joining from Watford in 2020. He signed a 12-month contract extension in March, with his current deal running until the end of the 2026–27 season.
Chelsea’s interest in the experienced duo comes amid an apparent desire to adjust their recruitment strategy. The club has largely focused on signing young players in recent years, but influential owner Behdad Eghbali acknowledged in April that the model may require a “tweak”.
Henderson also featured for England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making one substitute appearance before suffering a broken arm after falling over advertising hoardings while celebrating the Three Lions’ last-16 victory over Mexico.
