Paul Merson say Chelsea must strengthen in two positions this summer to 'bridge the gap' with Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.
Despite enjoying their best period of the season, Mauricio Pochettino's team is still only seventh in the Premier League – 13 points outside the Champions League places and 29 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Bee At various points in the season it looked like Pochettino's job would be under serious threat but the Blues' recent form – alongside two productive cup runs – has given Chelsea fans hope for the 2024/25 season.
Merson insists Chelsea still have a long way to go compared to rival Premier League title contenders Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool and says a place in the Champions League should be the target for next season.
But he says Pochettino will need even more help in the transfer market and has urged Chelsea to sign an 'experienced centre-back'. replace the outgoing Thiago Silva and a new striker.
“Chelsea haven't been consistent enough,” Merson said Air sports. 'They've been good in the cups, that's what happens sometimes when you're a young team.
'They're doing well at the moment, to be honest, and they're in the middle of the race to Europe.
'For me they have to participate. They got into a final, a semi-final, they were unlucky in both and it still couldn't be a bad season.
'But they will have to start buying players and not think that they have always got it right. No, they haven't. They are miles away from Man City and Arsenal. You have to look at the big picture.
'They have to bring in experience in the summer. It looks like Thiago Silva is going, he is their main experienced player.
“So they need to add something to that, which is what you need if you want consistency when things aren't going so well, and they can just calm it down a little bit.
'They probably need an experienced centre-back to take Silva's place, and they could also use a new centre-forward.
'They definitely want to participate in the Champions League next year. So they need to start bridging the gap with Arsenal and Man City.
'This is Chelsea, not an average team. Chelsea are used to winning things, they want to win things – not finish fourth in the league like Tottenham wanted to do, and celebrate that.
'I don't understand why Poch isn't in charge next season, but nothing surprises you. I don't think they would ever have to get rid of him, he is a good manager.
“Individuals don't win anything, and as long as they can continue to manage that and play as a team, everything will be fine.”
Chelsea, who Last weekend, London defeated rivals West Ham 5-0end their Premier League campaign against Nottingham Forest, Brighton and Bournemouth.
For more stories like this, check out our sports page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news
Facebook, Tweet And Instagram.
MORE : Rio Ferdinand reveals the 'only way' Jadon Sancho returns to Manchester United
MORE : Ipswich's feel-good factor shows that football still has a positive influence
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and Google Privacy Policy And Terms of Service to apply.
