The Englishman arrives following a career revival on the south coast, but built a name for himself first after coming through Manchester United's academy and then during a five-year stint with Arsenal.

Signing Welbeck represents a shift in transfer strategy from the Blues, who are looking to add more experience under new manager Xabi Alonso.

The 35-year-old has featured 400 times in the Premier League, scoring 90 goals and registering 38 assists.

The club are also close to completing the signing of 36-year-old Jordan Henderson.

"I’m really honoured to come to a club of this stature at what feels like a really exciting time. I know a few of the boys already and I’ve had fantastic conversations with the manager and already feel that connection," Welbeck said in a statement.

"I’ve got that fire in my belly and I'm ready to give it everything for this club to make everyone at Chelsea, and the supporters, proud."

A product of United's academy, Welbeck broke into the first team in 2008 and won the Premier League title under Alex Ferguson, as well as two League Cups.

He joined Arsenal in 2014, scoring 32 goals in 126 appearances across all competitions during a five-year spell before a season at Watford.

He moved to Brighton in 2020 and went on to become a key figure for the south-coast club.

Welbeck also scored 16 goals for England during an international career spanning eight years.