They will all be expecting to play in the Champions League': Alan Shearer warns Chelsea it is 'imperative' they finish in the top four with Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Ben Chilwell wanting to play against Europe's elite

Alan Shearer has warned Chelsea it would be a 'kick in the teeth' if the club failed to clinch a Champions League spot this season amid a busy summer of transfer business.

The London outfit have already sealed the signing of Hakim Ziyech from Ajax for £33million and also appear set to snap up highly-coveted RB Leipzig ace Timo Werner in a sensational swoop.

And with Frank Lampard significantly bolstering his ranks ahead of the next campaign, Shearer believes it is now more important than ever the young manager steers Chelsea to elite European football.
Alan Shearer warned Chelsea it is 'imperative' they finish in the top four after two key signings
Timo Werner is set to join the club after Chelsea triggered the striker's £53m release clause

Werner, the Bundesliga's second-highest scorer this term, is poised to move to Stamford Bridge and will snub interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United.


The club have also been linked with a move for Leicester full back Ben Chilwell, who is - according to The Mirror - keen on leaving to join Lampard's revolution.

The Foxes are reportedly holding out for £85m for their academy product - but Shearer is 'certain' that Chelsea will continue to splash the cash.
Hakim Ziyech sealed a £33m move to Chelsea and will join them in the summer from Ajax
Reports say Leicester full back Ben Chilwell may become part of Frank Lampard's revolution

He wrote in The Sun: 'Signing Timo Werner is a huge statement from Chelsea - but it would be a kick in the teeth not to make the top four now.

'Along with Hakim Ziyech, they have got two big-hitters through the door before the transfer window has opened.

'I am certain there will be more to come, too, with Ben Chilwell also on their radar.

'But these players will all be expecting to play in the Champions League next season, so it’s imperative they get the job done.
Shearer believes that Chelsea will be in a strong position to challenge across multiple fronts

'With a three-point cushion in fourth it would be a real anti-climax if they didn’t, considering the talent on the way in.'

The battle for the final top four spot is set to head down to the wire over the coming weeks with Manchester United among those pushing Chelsea firmly for the position.

But Shearer is adamant that, regardless of how the Blues end the season, Lampard's squad is shaping up to compete across all fronts.
Werner, who is the second-highest Bundesliga scorer, received special praise from Shearer

He also reserved particular praise for Germany ace Werner, saying: 'Whether they do make it or not, Frank Lampard’s squad is looking in great shape.

'And in Werner, they’ve got someone who a lot of other top teams in Europe wanted.

'At 24, he’s the perfect age, his international career is taking off, and he will without a doubt add something special.'