Manchester United make decision on Danny Welbeck as he edges closer to Chelsea move

Manchester United have shown no indication that they are considering re-signing Danny Welbeck, who is on the verge of joining Chelsea.

Currently at Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck has emerged as a surprise target for Chelsea, with reports claiming that the Blues and the Seagulls have reached an agreement over the transfer of the forward.

Welbeck is also said to have agreed terms with the West London club until 2028, with a medical expected to take place at Stamford Bridge in the coming days.

According to a report in The AthleticManchester United are also in the market for a striker this summer. However, nothing suggests that United are planning to hijack Chelsea’s deal for Welbeck.

The report adds that in 2024 and 2025, the Red Devils held talks about re-signing the England international and progressed significantly in negotiations last year. However, the club eventually signed Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

Welbeck came through the ranks at Manchester United and played in the Premier League for the club before joining Arsenal in 2014.

The interest in the 35-year-old comes after his impressive form with Brighton last season, scoring 13 goals in 37 Premier League appearances. His wealth of Premier League experience has also strengthened his case.

Reports suggest that Chelsea view Welbeck as a backup option for their first-choice striker, Joao Pedro.

Should a transfer be finalised, Welbeck would become the eighth player the Blues have signed from Brighton in the last four years. The former Manchester United and Arsenal man is in the final 12 months of his contract with Brighton.

Gary Neville says Manchester United should not have sold Welbeck amid Chelsea interest

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes the Red Devils made a mistake by selling Welbeck.

Welbeck spent eight years in United’s senior team before making his move to Arsenal. However, he struggled for game time, scoring 29 goals in 142 appearances across all competitions.

“I said then years ago that Manchester United should never have sold Danny Welbeck,” Neville told Sky Sports. “He’s gone away and done brilliantly well. He’s coming into a sort of what would be a little cameo at the end of the career, as well, but he’s a fantastic player. Worked with him, obviously as a teammate, worked with him obviously with England as a coach. He was fantastic for England, and he’s been good in the Premier League as well. So yeah. It’s a good move for Chelsea, and it gives them a real option up front.”

While his time at Old Trafford was largely one to forget, Welbeck has since become United’s scourge, having plundered eight goals against his childhood club since leaving.