Pundit Andy Townsend has offered a critical assessment of Chelsea’s current attacking options while discussing the club's reported interest in signing veteran forward Danny Welbeck. Townsend specifically targeted Liam Delap, who joined the Blues from Ipswich Town last summer, stating that the player is currently not near the level required at Chelsea. Delap recorded three goals and five assists in 47 appearances during his time with the club. In contrast, Nicolas Jackson, who signed from Villarreal in 2023, has registered 30 goals and 12 assists in 81 games, following a loan spell at Bayern Munich.
Regarding the potential acquisition of the 35-year-old Welbeck, Townsend expressed support for the move, telling talkSPORT that the Brighton & Hove Albion striker knows the league well and would not require a settling-in period. Welbeck has been a standout performer for the Seagulls since arriving from Watford in 2020, tallying 51 goals and 18 assists in 201 appearances. Last season, he scored 13 goals with one assist in 37 Premier League matches, finishing ninth in the top scorers' list despite starting only 26 league games.
Townsend praised Welbeck’s evolution, noting that the forward has become increasingly effective as he has aged, showing an ability to score important goals and lead the line while managing the physical demands of the game. Chelsea is also reportedly interested in 36-year-old midfielder Jordan Henderson, who plays for Brentford. Townsend views both potential signings as logical additions for the west London club. Henderson, who helped Brentford secure a ninth-place finish just behind Brighton on goal difference, made 34 appearances across all competitions last season as the team narrowly missed out on European qualification.
