Ray Wilkins believes foreign players are taking the easy
option by rejecting the chance to play in the Premier League and
joining Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Chelsea have already missed out on Brazilian superstar Kaka, who
opted to join the Santiago Bernabeu after leaving AC Milan and
Valencia's David Villa looks set to follow suit.
The Blues have been heavily linked with the Spain international,
however, he appears to have rejected the chance to secure a
Stamford Bridge deal by claiming he wants to join Real.
Chelsea assistant manager Wilkins acknowledges it is entirely up
to the individual to decide who they join, but he believes they are
turning down the chance to impress in the best league in the world
by shunning England's top flight.
"Do they want the challenge of the Premier League? It's
difficult to play in the Premier League as a foreign player,
especially in the first year," he told Sky Sports
News.
"Are some of these players taking the slightly softer option in
going to Real Madrid and staying somewhere where they know and not
taking up the challenge elsewhere? I don't know. I'm just playing
devils' advocate.
"Our league is the best league in the world."
Despite a quiet summer of transfer dealings so far, Wilkins has
assured Chelsea fans the club will be investing in Carlo
Ancelotti's squad with quality acquisitions.
A number of Ancelotti's former players have been linked with
moves to London such as Alexandre Pato, Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro
Gattuso, although, as yet, no players have been signed.
"We will add players to our squad I'm sure and players of the
utmost quality who will be prepared to take on the Premier League,"
he continued.
Real have rocked the football world this summer after agreeing a
world record transfer for Cristiano Ronaldo's services on the back
of landing Kaka's signature.
Wilkins admits Real will have one of the most potent attacking
line-ups throughout the world, especially if they get their hands
on Franck Ribery, although he questions how they will perform
defensively.
"Once again Real Madrid are putting the roof on the house before
the foundations are being put in.
"They are buying some wonderfully gifted players. You can only
play with one ball.
"With all those gifted players you need people that are going to
work within the team structure as well.
"It'll be an interesting season. It'll be one I'll be watching
with great interest - how Real do this year."