Former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Gael Clichy has weighed in on Chelsea’s Premier League ambitions, insisting that the Blues must win the title this season following their record-breaking spending.

Clichy dismissed comments by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who recently claimed the team is “not there yet” in terms of being title contenders.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 (via beIN Sports), Clichy didn’t mince words about Chelsea’s expectations:

“Are you a title contender? I’ve seen the coach saying: ‘We’re not there yet.’ Well, my friend, if you’re not there after £1 billion spent over the past two years, nobody is a title contender. If you look at the money they’re spending, of course they have to win it. Anything other than winning the title would be a failure in my opinion.”

Clichy’s remarks come as Chelsea sit second in the Premier League table, just behind Liverpool, who lead with 36 points after 15 games. The Blues are ahead of Clichy’s former clubs, Arsenal and Manchester City, who occupy third and fourth places, respectively.

With a squad packed with high-profile signings and a strong run of form under manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea find themselves in prime position to challenge for the title. However, Enzo Maresca has tried to water down talks surrounding Chelsea’s Premier League title ambitions.