Jamie Carragher has warned Chelsea they will still fall short of Liverpool and Manchester City next season unless they sign a new goalkeeper, while Gary Neville says Frank Lampard’s spending spree shows Roman Abramovich is once again fully invested in the club.
The Blues, who finished fourth in the Premier League last season and reached the FA Cup final, have already spent more than £100million on summer additions Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Ben Chilwell.
Brazilian and French defenders Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr have also arrived at Stamford Bridge on free transfers, while Chelsea are still looking to sign Kai Havertz for around £80m.
Asked about Chelsea’s stunning spending spree, Manchester United legend Neville told Sky Sports: ‘For 15 years Roman Abramovich has wanted a flamboyant team.
‘I do think Frank Lampard has reinvigorated him with academy players finally coming through. They’ve played in a different way, they’re more energetic and they are really good to watch.
‘They are more inconsistent and less reliable but you always get that when you go with younger players and a different style. But I think that’s what he [Abramovich] wants.
‘He wants the excitement, the thrill around Chelsea and I think that’s why he’s invested this summer to go again because this team has got something he’s always wanted.’
Carragher, meanwhile, says Chelsea desperately needed to bolster Lampard’s squad this summer but insists a new goalkeeper is still required at Stamford Bridge.
Kepa Arrizabalaga – the most expensive shot-stopper in the world – struggled last season and eventually lost his place in Chelsea’s starting XI to 38-year-old Willy Caballero.
‘But if they don’t reinforce in the goalkeeping situation, I don’t see much change for them really in terms of where they will finish.’
Chelsea drew 1-1 with Brighton on Saturday in their first pre-season friendly, with summer signing Timo Werner scoring on his first outing for the Blues.
