Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli believes that his former side will be contenders for the Champions League title next season.

Chelsea put in a dominating performance in the Premier League last season and were undoubtedly worthy champions but fell short fell short in the Champions League after being knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain in the Round of 16.

Despite their failure in Europe last year, Vialli has confidently stated that Jose Mourinho's Chelsea have the credentials to become European Champions in the near future.

"Chelsea will be up there with the best teams in Europe very soon. Next year they will be contenders," the Italian told talkSPORT's 'Kick Off'.

"They've got the foundations, they've got the potential and they have a great manager. Out of all the English teams, they are the best at defending - I think this is a problem for English teams in Europe.

"They [English teams] lack solidity defensive wise and it's a bit of a problem. The English game is fantastic to watch because anything can happen, but when you go into Europe you have to be tighter."