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."