These are exciting times to be a Chelsea fan.
The Blues posted an impressive 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening, which was enough to help Liverpool secure their first-ever Premier League title, they're still alive and kicking in the FA Cup and they are making some serious noises in the transfer market.
To say that Chelsea are a club on an upward curve would probably be an understatement.
Despite everything slotting into place right now for Frank Lampard and the Blues, they still have a long way to go in their recruitment drive before they can begin to think about the idea of competing with Liverpool for the Premier League title.
Or do they? According to former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer, the Blues are in a strong enough position to compete with the newly crowned English champions next season following the signing of Timo Werner.
After months of speculation, Chelsea won the race to sign the RB Leipzig striker last week, after triggering the 24-year-old's release clause.
Werner became the second player to be signed by the Blues ahead of next season, following in the footsteps of Ajax star Hakim Ziyech, whose arrival at Stamford Bridge will also create plenty of excitement and intrigue.
McAteer told the Racing Post: “One team who definitely look to be heading in the right direction are Chelsea.
“It was a massive step up for Frank Lampard taking the manager’s job. It’s easier at Derby when your reputation as a player means you gain a certain amount of respect. But that’s not the case when there are World Cup winners in the dressing room.
“But I can see them being right up there next season. They needed to boost their forward line but Timo Werner’s signing is a huge statement of intent. I don’t think they can rely on Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud.”
McAteer is also a big fan of Ziyech and also believes that if Chelsea were to secure a deal for Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz it could make all the difference.
“I am a big fan of Hakim Ziyech as well and a move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz would also be huge,” he added.
“So they are buying well. I think Lampard made a great statement of intent when he let David Luiz go and some of the talented youngsters have gained experience.
“I can see the Blues making great progress in the next 18 months. They are going to be right up there.”
