by Lewis Ambrose

While much of the news is about Arsenal chasing a deal for Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, Blues captain John Terry insists that the champions have no time to stand still.

They always say it is more difficult to retain the title than to win it in the first place and Chelsea will have a number of clubs chasing after them next season with Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United poised to improve their squads.

“We have to start concentrating on next season and try to improve on that again. When you win the league, you know teams go and spend money to buy the best,” said Terry.

“Manchester City were a little way off this year and will strengthen.

“I feel Arsenal and Manchester United are going to be very strong as well.”

Terry, who has now won four Premier League titles, has already spoken about the impact that Cech could have at Arsenal and is clearly concerned about us.

“We all know once you win it, everyone wants to beat you the following year, (so) it will be even harder for us to win the league again,” said the 34 year-old defender.

As well as Cech it looks likely that Arsenal will try to add a midfielder to the squad.

We didn’t lose any points on Chelsea after eight games but our slow start really cost us last season. This time around we have to start well to prove that we can mix it with the best.