Kepa Arrizabalaga can see Chelsea battling for the Premier League in the near future.

Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga can see Chelsea battling with Man City and Liverpool for the Premier League title next year.

Kepa happy with life at Chelsea. [Getty]

Kepa Arrizabalaga can see Chelsea becoming Premier League contenders in the near future.

The shotstopper reckons Frank Lampard’s side will be in a position to challenge for the title next term.

The Blues saw their brilliant form following the Premier League restart brought to a halt as West Ham thrashed them 3-2 on Wednesday.

Chelsea’s football philosophy and transfer business under manager Lampard has led to football pundits tipping them to become title contenders, and Arrizabalaga acknowledges it’s possible but they “need to improve”.

"Let's hope we are talking in a year's time and that we are candidates to challenge those two teams (Liverpool and Manchester City)," the goalkeeper told Sky Sports News.

"We have a great squad and we have a great manager. We can't deny the gap, in points, between us and the top two, but I'm confident we can close that gap next season.

More: Chelsea star Azpilicueta: Conceding three goals is very frustrating.

"We know we need to improve, but it is a hope we all have. There's a confidence that it is possible."

The 25-year-old added: "The manager is there to choose what he considers the best XI.

"Whenever you are left out of the side, you take it in the spirit it is intended. You put it down to experience, a fresh experience in your life, and you just keep working hard.

"I'm ambitious and I've always had the attitude that through hard work and training hard you are ready for the next challenge."

On reports linking him with a move away from west London, the Spaniard said: "I'm young, I'm lucky enough to be playing for a fantastic club.

"I'm part of the national set up with Spain as well. The team (Chelsea) have been having a good feeling about ourselves.

"There's a good spirit about how we've been playing. And individually I feel good. I want to help the team achieve its targets."

Follow Think Football Ideas across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.