Chelsea are 'on a different level to Arsenal' says Blues legend Joe Cole

Joe Cole is adamant that 'Chelsea are the most successful team in the country' and claims the Blues will move 'above' Premier League leaders Arsenal 'very soon'.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's derby, Cole said he liked Mikel Arteta and the way in which he operates. However, he made it clear he thought Chelsea were a 'level above' Arsenal.

The former England international also issued his support for Chelsea's new owner Todd Boehly, claiming the 49-year-old was setting the 'foundations' for long-term success at the club.

Speaking to The Sun, Cole said: 'We have to be very mindful of what's happening at Arsenal because nothing has paid off as of yet. Arsenal have set high standards for themselves.

'I do like what they're doing. I enjoy watching Arsenal play, which I haven't said for a long time. I like Mikel Arteta and what he does, how he sets up the team and I like the young players.

'Nothing significant has been achieved at Arsenal as of yet with their high standards, but they're on the right path. Chelsea have battled at a different level over the last 20 years. We have to say that.

'Chelsea are the most successful team in the country over the last 20 years. I still feel Chelsea can more than compete and go above Arsenal very soon.'

Cole went on to discuss Boehly - who took over from Roman Abramovich as the owner of Chelsea Football Club.

Cole, who played at Chelsea during the Abramovich era, said the change in approach is encouraging.

He also said the American businessman was setting the foundations for Chelsea's long-term success and that he has been making 'so many smart decisions'.

Cole said: 'I like it, I think it's very smart from the new owners. Because what's happened is, I have to take my hat off to Man City, I believe they'll win the league this year.

'I think that's five league titles out of six, that's getting into an era of domination we never thought we'd see in the Premier League because of the levels of competition. But they've made so many smart decisions.

'Chelsea have stepped back and looked at the situation, thinking it is going to need to be a long-term project, taking the right steps along the way to match Man City off the pitch and on it.

'Everything has to be done with such precision, Man City are a well-oiled machine at the moment. You have got to respect that.

'Chelsea are in a position of respecting what they have done, but the competitive nature is that we want to be back on top of the tree in English football.

'It has to be a long-term project, there have to be foundations and I think it is a smart move.'