Claudio: Cole can be new Zola

Claudio Ranieri watched his expensive team of superstars dismiss Watford in a friendly and then heralded the arrival of Joe Cole as the perfect replacement for Gianfranco Zola.

Chelsea were today expected to increase their summer spending spree to almost £60million with the arrival of West Ham's Cole and Manchester United's Juan Sebastian Veron.

Chelsea manager Ranieri failed to stop Zola quitting the club this summer but believes he has the perfect replacement lined-up.

He said: "I like Joe Cole. He brings lots of fantasy to the game and one-on-one, he is very clever. He passes the ball well and when a game is tight he will score or make a goal.

"He can play in every position across the midfield and without Gianfranco I need a player who can dribble and who has invention. Joe is that type of player."

Mikael Forssell, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and a Neal Ardley own goal give Chelsea a flying start.

Heidar Helguson pulled one back for the visitors but Damien Duff rounded off the scoring.

Only goalkeeper Alex Chamberlain saved the home side from a mauling. Duff and Wayne Bridge gave Chelsea pace and power on the left and the midfield artistry of Geremi was a joy to watch.