Peter Crouch makes Chelsea title prediction ahead of Premier League opener

Peter Crouch has revealed whether he thinks Chelsea can challenge for the Premier League title after spending £200m this summer.

The Blues have splurged an incredible amount on some top talent including Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Ben Chilwell.

Frank Lampard has made no fewer than seven additions to his side in the hopes of a crack at some silverware.

Chelsea open their account today against Brighton in the hopes that they can set the tone with a resounding win on the south coast.

However, former Liverpool striker Crouch still thinks they are a step behind the Reds and Manchester City in terms of battling for the title.

“I’m excited about the transfers you have done,” Crouch told Chelsea fans in his Daily Mail column.

“You might have seen in my guide to the season that I said I would pay to watch players such as Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva. You'll see elsewhere in this column how much I rate Timo Werner.

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Chelsea have been active this summer, signing Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech, Malang Sarr and Thiago Silva.

However, one player who continues to be linked with the Blues is West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice.

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“There is absolutely no doubt Chelsea are going to be better and they are going to be much nearer to the top, in terms of points, than they were last season. I would expect them to open up on Monday evening with a win at Brighton, too.

“But in terms of overtaking Liverpool and Manchester City, I just don't see it at this moment in time. We are talking about two of the greatest teams in the Premier League era — maybe even two of the greatest teams we have ever seen.

“Frank Lampard has taken decisive action to improve the areas of the squad he felt were weak but there is more to it than just spending to cut the huge gap that was between them and Liverpool last season. Frank is ambitious but he is also realistic. He knows the steps required.”