Jose Mourinho compares Arsenal's spending to Chelsea's ahead of Community Shield clash

Jose Mourinho insists that Arsenal should not be let off for their frugality in the market over the past few years and that they are among the big boys if referenced over their recent spending.

The Portuguese manager recently admonished clubs around them for trying to buy the title, with Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool spending big bucks to build up their squad.

Mourinho insisted that the Blues have won the title last season spending much less money than their north London counterparts, something which was used against them since Abramovich took over in 2003.

Arsenal, who were financially bound by their debt on the Emirates Stadium, found some much needed leeway since 2013 when they were able to extend their commercial deals with Emirates and Puma, which increased their spending power.

Arsene Wenger swooped in to sign Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, two decorated signings who led them to two consecutive FA Cups, thus ending their nine-year trophy drought.

Mourinho, who faces Wenger on 2 August in the Community Shield, made it clear that the Gunnners are no more the minnows in the race for the title and that their increased spending brings them back into the mix to win their first title since 2004.

"If you add up the amounts the clubs have spent in the last three or four years I think maybe you will find a surprise," Mourinho said, as quoted by the Mirror.

"Get a calculator. That is one of the easiest things to do. It leaves no space for speculation. If you want to be honest, objective and pragmatic it is the easiest job for a manager or a journalist to do."

The Gunners completed the signing of Petr Cech from Chelsea earlier in the transfer window and Mourinho believes that strengthening that position has led to a massive improvement in their squad.

"They have bought a fantastic goalkeeper and that is a position which is very important in a team. If you put Ozil plus Sanchez, plus Chambers, plus Debuchy you will maybe find a surprise," Mourinho continued.

"It's a fantastic squad with good players, fantastic goalkeeper. They are more than ready to be title contenders.

"Everyone of us should expect to win the title. We have five teams who will play for the title, only one will win and one of us will be playing Europa League in two years.

"That is the reality, five teams for four Champions League positions, only one will be champion and one in Europa League."