Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith says he cannot see Chelsea catching Liverpool or Manchester City anytime soon.
The Blues finished third in the Premier League this season, but 25 and 26 points behind Liverpool and Manchester City respectively as the two sides battled it out for the title.
And with Chelsea facing a potential transfer ban this summer, Smith says he feels the Blues will not be able to bridge the gap between them and the top two next season, particularly if they lose star man Eden Hazard to Real Madrid.
The two players Maurizio Sarri should promote to the Chelsea first team next season
"Much will depend on whether [Eden] Hazard goes and they have the transfer ban. I wouldn't imagine they would be looking to replace Hazard directly as they have Callum Hudson-Odoi coming back and Christian Pulisic joining already," Smith told Sky Sports.
"The centre-forward position is the area I think. I don't think Gonzalo Higuain is the answer, he is not mobile enough, and Maurizio Sarri doesn't seem to have much faith in Olivier Giroud.
"Defensively they have Antonio Rudiger and David Luiz, so do they stick with them and hold Andreas Christensen, who has been out of the frame under Sarri?
"There's not too much that needs doing. If Pulisic settles, which isn't a given, then that will give them some good pace and width.
"Of course if they can't make any transfers they will have to bring players back who are on loan. What will happen with Tammy Abraham? That could be an interesting one. There's talk about Aston Villa wanting to sign him if they go up but Chelsea might want to see if he can do it back at Stamford Bridge and he has probably earned his chance.
Marcos Alonso reveals what Chelsea will be doing ahead of the Europa League final vs Arsenal
"I don't see them being able to catch up with Liverpool or Manchester City in one transfer window. A lot depends on who the manager is. The player don't seem to have too much faith in Sarri and training isn't the most interesting. So if you haven't got a positive atmosphere then you are going to struggle."
For all your latest Chelsea news, opinion, analysis and transfer gossip, click here
Keep up to date with the latest Chelsea news, features and exclusives from football.london via our free WhatsApp service .
Click here to enroll or text NEWS to 07776197989 and then add the number to your phone contacts book as chelsea dot london (case sensitive, with spaces) to receive daily updates and breaking news from Oliver Harbord and the team on Chelsea.
Your phone number won't be shared with any other members of the group. Click here for more information on the service.
