Claude Makelele believes Chelsea can outshine nine-times European Cup winners Real Madrid and English Premiership rivals Arsenal and Manchester United this season.

The 30-year-old French midfielder, whose 16.7 million pound (26.3 million dollar) move from Madrid took Chelsea's spending since Roman Abramovich's takeover in July to 111 million pounds (175.5 million dollars), believes he is now part of the best midfield in the world.

"The squad Chelsea have put together is one of the best in the world - nobody can doubt that," he says.

"They are in the hunt for everything in England and in Europe. Already they have a more balanced team than Arsenal and Manchester United, especially in midfield."

The Frenchman believes Chelsea can be better than Real Madrid this season and go on to dominate European football in the coming years.

Chelsea brought to an end the biggest spending spree the game has ever seen when they confirmed Makelele as their final summer signing.

"If I chose Chelsea it's because I believe in them. This is obviously my last club and I want to finish at the top.

"Chelsea can be superior to Real Madrid. We can be a better team than them.

"Chelsea will play more as a unit. Madrid base their team around certain players.

"I didn't just opt for this project because of the money, I reckon Chelsea may dominate European football in the coming years.

"I have already enjoyed that experience in Spain and it would be marvellous to repeat it here."

Chelsea have been drawn against what can be considered weaker opposition in Rome side Lazio, Sparta Prague of the Czech Republic and Turkish side Besiktas in the first round group stage of this year's Champions League.

Chelsea's Argentine duo Juan Sebastian Veron and Hernan Crespo will relish a match with their old club Lazio.

And Crespo hailed Makelele's arrival at the club.

"I have seen Claude on TV and know what a great player he is," said the Argentine.

Crespo is also looking forward to making a big impact at Chelsea.

"The thing that has been missing most from my career is a league title," he said.

"I did win one in Argentina but in Italy I never had the opportunity. I had a chance to win at European level - but not in Serie A.

"I want to put that right and try again at Chelsea. It means a lot to me, more than scoring goals.

"In Italy I scored a lot of goals and I hope I can score at Chelsea. The most important thing for me now is to win the Premiership."