Chelsea’s quest to secure a domestic double ended in disappointment at the weekend, as Antonio Conte’s side were torn apart by a fantastic performance from Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal- leaving the Blues with a lot to do this summer.

Conte’s side have stormed through the Premier League campaign but have certainly benefitted from their lack of European involvement this season, which is set to change next term as the Blues return to the Champions League.

No side has successfully defended their Premier League crown in the past decade and the Blues face a real test to turn recent history in their favour, particularly as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City seem intent on building a summer side in the North West.

The expensive captures of Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane, Ilkay Gundogan and John Stones from last summer have already been added to with the addition of Bernardo Silva from Monaco and Guardiola’s side seem far from finished, with a deal for Benfica goalkeeper Ederson looking imminent.

City’s deal for Ederson will edge their spending close to the £100m mark already, before any other side in the top six has made moves of their own- and the pressure is on Chelsea to respond and bolster their chances of retaining the Premier League title.

Chelsea were fortunate this season to avoid significant injuries to their star players and it means that the depth in the Blues’ squad was not tested severely- and it’s clear that Conte’s side lack the numbers that rival sides possess.

With a return to European football next season, Chelsea’s depth will be tested and they need to improve their ranks significantly if they are to remain competitive on all fronts- and City’s early moves in the market have put the pressure on the Blues.

City’s early business means they’re regarded to be favourites for the Premier League title already next term and Manchester United are sure to respond, which means that Chelsea could find themselves battling for a spot in the top-three.

New wing backs, a new central midfielder and a top-class striker are reportedly on Chelsea’s wish-list this summer, as well as potentially a new younger defender to succeed Gary Cahill in the middle, and the Blues will face a battle to secure their top targets.

Of players linked to Chelsea so far, Alvaro Morata has been heavily touted with a move to AC Milan, Virgil Van Dijk has been eyed by the majority of the Premier League’s top sides and Monaco’s array of starlets have caught the eyes of Europe’s finest.

In previous years following a Premier League title win, Chelsea have endured a quiet summer and haven’t really splashed the cash too much- and that’s something that definitely needs to change this time around.