Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri hailed the signing of Argentine striker Hernan Crespo from Inter Milan on Tuesday as a crucial addition to his attacking options.

Crespo, who cost the club 16.8 million pounds (26.4 million dollars), was introduced to the Stamford Bridge crowd at during the half time interval of Chelsea's resounding 3-0 qualifying win over Slovak side MSK Zilina which clinched their berth in the Champion's League group phase.

The 28-year-old's signature brings Chelsea's summer spending spree to almost 100 million pounds, money that has been provided by the club's new owner, Russian oil billionaire Roman Abramovich.

'It was very important that I had another striker,' said Ranieri. 'I now have five strikers and I can pick two for every match.

'In September and October we play every few days and it's important to be able to give players rest,' added the Chelsea manager.

Ranieri was impressed by the former Parma and Lazio player's Champion's league credentials.

'Crespo is very fast, he is very good in the air and he scores a lot of goals,'said Ranieri.

'He scored nine goals in the Champions League last season.'

The Chelsea manager acknowledged the role fellow Argentinian Juan Sebastian Veron could play in helping Crespo to settle at Stamford Bridge.

'Crespo and Veron have played together in the Argentinian national U21 side - there is a link there,'said Ranieri.

'He now has a friend at the club who can explain things to him.

But Ranieri feels that Crespo has all the attributes to forge a successful career in the Premiership.

'I have spoken to him and I said: 'Your characteristics are good for English football,' said Ranieri.

'He is a lion - he wants to fight in every match.'

Crespo is the ninth new player to be signed by the London club since the summer began but the Chelsea boss was quick to dampen any exaggerated expectations.

'The target is to be like Real Madrid, Manchester United and Arsenal but realistically it is important to build the team, to build the group and to build the foundation,'said Ranieri.

'And of course, it is better if you win.'