Retired Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba reckons that reigning Premier League champions Liverpool and Manchester City have a stronger squad than Chelsea despite the London club's activity in the transfer window.

The Blues have spent roughly 200 million pounds in the summer transfer window, bringing in Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell and Hakim Ziyech, while ex-PSG center back Thiago Silva has joined as a free agent.

Former Monaco and Borussia Dortmund star Ikpeba has pointed out that Chelsea's new acquisitions will need time to fully adapt to the team, adding that manager Frank Lampard will be under pressure to deliver.

"I think Chelsea have spent a lot but you need some time for these players to gel together, to get used playing together," Ikpeba said on Super Sport's Monday Night Football.

"City have been very quiet although they have Nathan Ake from Bournemouth, they are still waiting for few players, maybe Koulibaly might join City.

"Pressure will be on Lampard to do well with this team, can he get the best from these players right from the beginning of the season.

"They are still behind the likes of Liverpool and City because continuity is key in football.

"You saw what happened with Liverpool, they still had the experience to pick maximum points towards the latter stages of the game.

"It has been modest spending so far apart from Chelsea, the big guns who have spent close to 200 million pounds."

Chelsea won their opening match of the Premier League, beating Brighton & Hove 3-1 at the American Express Community Stadium on Monday.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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