Nicolas Anelka claims Frank Lampard has a ‘great chance’ to bring the Premier League trophy back to Chelsea next season, with the club flexing their financial muscles in an incredible spending spree this summer.
The Blues have made up for lost time in the wake of their two-window transfer ban by signing six players – Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva, Malang Sarr and Kai Havertz – for a combined total over £200million over the last few weeks.
However, Liverpool and Manchester City remain firm favourites to win the English top flight next term, with Chelsea and Manchester United viewed as outsiders for the title.
After all, both Chelsea and United finished a massive 33 points behind Jurgen Klopp’s champions last season.
But Anelka feels the Blues have made up serious ground on their rivals this summer and now have a realistic shot at lifting the trophy for the first time since Antonio Conte steered them to the title back in 2016/17.
‘I think they have a great chance to win the title. It depends on what Liverpool and Manchester City will do as well,’ the ex-Chelsea striker told Stadium Astro.
‘But he’s got the quality to finish fourth in the league last season and, with the signings, he’s got the quality to win it.
‘It depends after in terms of the experience of the players whether they are strong enough to race until the end but the quality is in Chelsea as well.
‘So I believe first, second or third. We will see a great Chelsea at the end.’
Anelka believes Lampard is building a squad with a healthy balance of youth and experience which is more than capable of pushing Liverpool and City all the way next season.
‘You need something more to win the title,’ the Frenchman added.
‘If you look Liverpool and you look at City, they have young and experienced players.
‘I think Frank is clever, he knew what he needed to be able to win and compete against big teams and you need experience.
‘You still have space for the youngsters to play, they just have to be strong mentally to compete every week.
‘This is football, you always have to compete to be able to play. When you’re at a big club, it’s like that.’
