“Better than Chelsea’s current squad” — 2013 AFCON hero urges Chelsea to sign Lookman

By Monsurah Olatunji

Former Nigeria international Sunday Mba has urged Chelsea to target Ademola Lookman in the upcoming summer transfer window, praising the winger’s impressive form and suggesting that he would be a perfect fit for the Premier League giants.

Lookman, who played a key role in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, has been in outstanding form for Atalanta in the 2024/25 season.

With 12 goals and five assists so far, the 27-year-old has proven to be a pivotal player for the Serie A club.

However, Lookman’s future at Atalanta is in doubt, with reports of tension between him and the club’s manager, Gian Piero Gasperini.

The coach publicly criticized Lookman following his missed penalty in a Champions League play-off defeat to Club Brugge, although Lookman quickly responded by scoring a brace in the next match.

Given his strained relationship with Gasperini, Mba, who famously scored the winning goal in Nigeria’s 2013 AFCON victory over Burkina Faso, believes Lookman should seek a move, with Chelsea being a top potential destination.

Speaking to Africafoot, Mba praised Lookman’s talent and suitability for Chelsea’s current system under manager Enzo Maresca, saying, “With all due respect, Ademola Lookman is better than any other Chelsea player, with the possible exception of Cole Palmer.”

Mba further emphasized, “Lookman fits perfectly into this team and will be an instant hit. Chelsea would also improve massively in the final third, but with his contract, it wouldn’t cost them much.”

Despite Lookman’s previous links to a Premier League return, it remains to be seen if Chelsea will pursue the Nigerian forward in the upcoming transfer window, though Mba’s endorsement only adds to the growing calls for Lookman to make the move.