Former French star believes Chelsea are title contenders this season

Nicolas Anelka believes Chelsea are title contenders

Speaking to Stadium Astro (h/t Metro), former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka believes the Blues are title contenders.

Frank Lampard’s side finished fourth last season. This however does mask the fact that we were a mammoth 33 points off champions Liverpool.

The Blues have shown this summer that they mean business and have tremendously strengthened by bringing in five first-team players.

Chelsea signed Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen
Frank lampard has been backed well this summer

Anelka believes the signings should improve Chelsea’s chances of closing the gap on Liverpool and Manchester City.

“I think they have a great chance to win the title. It depends on what Liverpool and Manchester City will do as well.”

Chelsea last won the Premier League in 2017 under Antonio Conte. While our rivals are still strong, the new signings should give us enough firepower to challenge them.

“I believe first, second or third. We will see a great Chelsea at the end.”

Nicolas Anelka believes Chelsea are title challengers
Nicolas Anelka believes Chelsea are title challengers (Getty Images)

Lampard has failed to win a trophy in his first two seasons in management. Twice has he fallen on the final hurdle. He lost the Championship playoff finals with Derby County in 2019 before falling to Arsenal in the FA Cup final last season.

Having been sufficiently backed this summer, he now has the tools to ensure his team can go one better and attain glory in the upcoming campaign.

A player who has won numerous titles with Chelsea, Lampard knows what it takes to become a champion. If all goes well, he might be celebrating one more come this time next year.

Chelsea will face Liverpool in their first home game of the season
Chelsea will face Liverpool in their first home game of the season

The Blues kick off their campaign on September 14 with a trip to Brighton and Hove Albion.

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Anelka and Lampard were a part of the Chelsea side that won the 2009/10 Premier League title.

The Frenchman spent four seasons at Stamford Bridge, scoring 59 goals in 184 games for the Blues. (h/t Transfermarkt)