Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho believes his side faces an even tougher test than they did last season, conceding that almost every side has improved over the summer.

Mourinho’s Chelsea eased to the title last season, finishing eight points clear of runners-up Manchester City.

But the Portuguese looked towards the other teams in the league, most notably Bournemouth, and compared their signings to the standard of his team. Bournemouth’s Max Gradel was used as evidence to show that this season will be tougher.

“Gradel could play for Chelsea,” Mourinho said.

“There will be more times when the non-title contenders win matches against the title contenders,” he said.

“It’s also difficult because they have players who could play in our teams – Cabaye could play for Chelsea, Wijnaldum could play for Chelsea, Gradel could play for Chelsea.”

“You have a minimum of five title contenders and the other teams get stronger and stronger.”

[Via BBC Sport]

Chelsea have so far only signed £8m goalkeeper Asmir Begovic to replace Arsenal signing Petr Cech. They have also signed Monaco striker Radamel Falcao on loan, and look close to completing a deal for left back Baba Rahman.

But their title rivals Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool have each splashed the cash on various new additions. Manchester City have signed £49m Raheem Sterling, Liverpool have signed £32.5m Christian Benteke and £30m Roberto Firmino whilst Manchester United have spent over £80m on the likes of Bastien Schweinsteiger, Memphis Depay and Morgan Schneiderlin.