Premier League legend makes bold prediction for Chelsea next season

Chelsea's emphatic 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final has significantly heightened expectations surrounding the club. This success has prompted questions about whether the team can now challenge for the Premier League title next season.

Premier League legend Alan Shearer has weighed in on this question, strongly backing Chelsea's title credentials for the upcoming campaign. The former Newcastle and Blackburn star believes Enzo Maresca's squad possesses the necessary qualities to contend for the Premier League crown, citing their dominant Club World Cup triumph as evidence.

Speaking on 'The Rest Is Football', Shearer stated it would take "a very, very brave person" to exclude Chelsea from next season's title race. He justified this view by pointing to their achievements this season, their recent Club World Cup success, the players they have already signed, and the players they are expected to sign. Shearer concluded that Chelsea "will be involved in the title race."

The summary notes that Chelsea finished fourth in the league last season, 15 points behind champions Liverpool. It highlights the added pressure the team will face next term and questions how they will respond to these heightened expectations.