Robben more concerned about fitness than Madrid speculation

Robben has been targeted by Real Madrid all summer and the Spanish champions are confident of securing a deal now that Chelsea have signed promising winger Florent Malouda from Lyon.

The Dutch international is believed to be keen on a move to the Bernabeu, where he feels he will be given less defensive responsibilities than under the strict regime of coach Jose Mourinho.

But winger Robben, who will begin pre-season training with the rest of the squad in Los Angeles today, isn't planning on going anywhere just yet - even though reports this morning suggested that his lawyer Tom Smit is in Madrid negotiating a move.

He said: "I am settled. I have had a long break because I didn't play in the internationals. It is my longest break for six years and I'm happy to start again.

"There has been a lot of talk about me going to Real Madrid but I am on the trip to Los Angeles.

"I'm really looking forward to starting training again and getting the fitness back. I am still a Chelsea player."

Meanwhile, keeper Petr Cech has dismissed the big spending of their Premiership rivals, insisting Chelsea's squad is strong enough to regain the title next season.

Chelsea have been out-spent by champions Manchester United and Champions League runners-up Liverpool in the transfer market for the first time in four years, with the club signing Tal Ben Haim, Steven Sidwell and Claudio Pizarro on free transfers.

Malouda has been bought for £14.2 million, but it doesn't compare to the £50m Manchester United have paid for Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson with Carlos Tevez also set to sign.

Liverpool have acquired Fernando Torres for £20m from Atletico Madrid and are expected to add Ryan Babel, from Dutch club Ajax, to the squad for £13.5m.

But Cech believes their rivals' signings will take time to adapt to English football and Chelsea still have the best squad in the Premier League.

He said: "The club has not spent much, but the squad is sufficiently large and of a good quality. I am glad that almost all the players have stayed and coach Jose Mourinho. There can be injuries again, but I believe that we will be even stronger.

"It is important that the best players like Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard have remained with Chelsea.

"Manchester United have strengthened their squad and they will definitely be keen on defending their title. Liverpool have also bought more players, mainly from La Liga.

"The question is how these players settle in the Premiership. They might not be used to playing here right from the start."

Cech has revealed that he intends to continue to wear the protective helmet which he has had to use since fracturing his skull at Reading's Madejski Stadium last year.

He added: "I have undergone another complete medical and the doctors have advised me to keep using the helmet.

"The fans will therefore see me with it again next season. Of course, I would like to put it aside, but on the other hand, it is necessary to lower the risk."