Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher reckons Chelsea cannot challenge for the Premier League title unless they sign a new goalkeeper.
Frank Lampard has already invested heavily into his Chelsea squad this summer. The former England international has spent over £200 million to bring in the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva.
Reports are also suggesting that the Blues are closing in on the signature of long-term target Kai Havertz.
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Yet, Carragher has suggested that despite these new signings, Chelsea will not challenge Liverpool or Man City for the Premier League title if a new ‘keeper is not brought in.
The Liverpool legend told Sky Sports: ‘Chelsea had to buy four players, I get that.
‘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.’
Kepa Arrizabalaga signed for Chelsea in August 2018 for around £70 million from Athletic Bilbao. This deal made him the world’s most expensive ever goalkeeper.
By signing for such an enormous fee, there will always be high expectations on the player. Unfortunately for Kepa, his time at the club has been up and down in his first two years.
In the 2019 EFL Cup Final against Man City, Kepa had cramp but he refused to be subbed off by Maurizio Sarri. The duo exchanged words during the game and afterwards, he was fined a week’s wages and was dropped for their next game.
This season under Lampard, Kepa’s form has been inconsistent. In January he was dropped in place of Willy Caballero before returning to the side to end the season as number one.
Carragher’s Sky Sports colleague, Gary Neville, has been impressed by Chelsea’s business so far. The former Man Utd man believes Roman Abramovich’s investment shows how happy the owner is with what Lampard has done so far as manager.
Neville said: ‘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.’