Jamie Carragher has dismissed Chelsea's Premier League title credentials, arguing that their £200m-plus summer spending spree has not addressed a critical weakness in goal. The former Liverpool defender told Sky Sports that until the Blues replace under-fire goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, they have 'no chance' of challenging Liverpool and Manchester City.
Chelsea finished fourth last season, 33 points behind champions Liverpool and 15 adrift of runners-up City. Despite splashing over £200m on Ben Chilwell, Kai Havertz and Timo Werner, Carragher believes the squad remains unbalanced. 'The spending has been at the top end of the pitch,' he said. 'Until Chelsea rectify their goalkeeping situation I don't see them winning the league.'
The pundit cited the impact of Alisson at Liverpool and Ederson at City, noting that both managers struggled to win titles until they signed elite goalkeepers. Kepa, a £71.6m signing in 2018, managed only 10 clean sheets last season and has been heavily criticised for erratic performances. 'You have absolutely no chance of winning the league with a poor goalkeeper,' Carragher added.
Manager Frank Lampard appears to be heeding the warning, with Chelsea pursuing Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. However, Carragher remains sceptical about immediate progress: 'They've paid top dollar and they're not even getting middle-dollar performances. That's why I won't change from that fact – unless they change that goalkeeper they won't challenge.'
