Chelsea continue to surprise in the Premier League with a series of unexpected transfers ahead of Xabi Alonso's arrival on the Stamford Bridge bench. The London club has already invested heavily this summer by signing Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for a record amount in the UK, as well as Atalanta's left-back Marco Palestra. Geovany Quenda and striker Emmanuel Emegha, who joined from Strasbourg, have also become Blues. These four players have an average age between 21 and 22, a figure further reduced by the arrival of two teenagers acquired for modest fees. However, the next arrivals will be of a different caliber. Chelsea is close to finalizing the signing of Danny Welbeck from Brighton & Hove Albion. The club and the Seagulls reached an agreement on Wednesday morning, allowing the 35-year-old player to undergo a medical before joining Stamford Bridge on a two-year contract. Welbeck, a former Manchester United and Arsenal striker, ended a remarkable season with Brighton, scoring 13 Premier League goals, his career-best tally. His experience and consistency will be assets for Chelsea, where Liam Delap struggles to establish himself and where Emegha continues to progress. Brighton will receive a undisclosed transfer fee, thanks to a clause in Welbeck's contract signed earlier this year. Welbeck is expected to take part in Chelsea's pre-season tour of Hong Kong, where the Blues will face Tottenham Hotspur in Sydney on Saturday, then Juventus and AC Milan in Hong Kong and Jakarta respectively in the following days. Chelsea is also close to signing Jordan Henderson, the 36-year-old English midfielder, from Brentford. The London club has reached an agreement with the Bees for a free transfer, despite Henderson having one year left on his contract. The player made 34 appearances across all competitions last season after joining from Ajax. Henderson also featured in an England match at the World Cup before breaking his arm after falling onto advertising boards during the celebration of the Round of 16 victory over Mexico. Like Welbeck, Henderson is expected for the pre-season tour in Hong Kong. These two signings aim to bring experience and leadership to a Chelsea team still under construction under Xabi Alonso's guidance. The club will begin its league campaign at Fulham on Monday, August 24. Xabi Alonso, Chelsea's new manager, will make his official debut at Stamford Bridge in a match against his former club, Real Sociedad. Before that, he will lead the team during the international tour, facing Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus, and AC Milan. These games will serve as a testing ground to evaluate new signings and young talents. Chelsea's Premier League campaign kicks off at Fulham, where the Blues will look to confirm their ambition of returning to the top of the table.