Chelsea accused of failing to 'lift the level' of their squad by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher despite £250m spending spree

Chelsea have been on a spending spree since the summer transfer window opened. After securing a Champions League slot in his maiden campaign at Stamford Bridge, Enzo Maresca wanted to rebuild the squad and the club has since signed six new players. Delap was the first player to sign for the Blues this summer from Ipswich Town, while Pedro and Jamie Gittens soon followed.

Despite spending heavily, the Blues have received criticism from former Liverpool and England defender Carragher, who feels that the west London club have failed to 'lift the level' of their squad ahead of the new season.

Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet, the pundit said: "When I look at Chelsea, I think about what you did in the Club World Cup – everyone wanted to win it; Real Madrid really wanted to win, PSG did, and so did Manchester City, all those that we class as the best teams – so I do think it’s a big thing and it will help build a connection between Enzo Maresca and the supporters, which wasn’t really there last season. 

"I’m not sure it’ll push Chelsea any closer to the title though. When Chelsea do [transfer] business, over the last couple of years, it feels like a lot of players are changing without anyone really lifting the level. I know Cole Palmer has been amazing, but all your wingers feel the same. A perfect example is [Jamie] Gittens coming in and Madueke leaving – there is no elevation, and I see that with a lot of positions at Chelsea."

The Club World Cup winners are not done with their transfer business in the summer window as they are now looking to sign Dutch attacking midfielder Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig. The Blues will kick off the new season on August 17 against Crystal Palace at home.