Former Nigerian international Sunday Mba, a key figure in Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations victory, has publicly advocated for Chelsea to sign Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Speaking to Africafoot, Mba, who scored the decisive goal in the 2013 AFCON final against Burkina Faso, believes Lookman would be an ideal fit for Chelsea’s tactical system under manager Enzo Maresca.
“If I was a sporting director or manager at Chelsea, I would push for Lookman,” Mba stated. “I think it would be a win-win situation for both parties, given the nature of the player.”
Lookman’s impressive performances for both Atalanta and the Nigerian national team have garnered significant attention.
During the 2024-25 season, the forward has recorded 12 goals and 5 assists, further solidifying his reputation as a potent attacking threat.
His pivotal role in Nigeria’s journey to the AFCON 2023 final also highlighted his capabilities on the international stage.
Mba emphasized Lookman’s suitability for Chelsea’s style of play, highlighting his speed, technical skill, dribbling ability, and goal-scoring prowess.
“Chelsea should be Lookman’s next home because the style of play suits what Enzo Maresca looks for in his strikers,” Mba explained. “He’s fast, technically gifted, can dribble, create chances, and score a lot of goals. With all due respect, most Chelsea strikers struggle to bring out two of those qualities.”
The former Enyimba player went as far as to suggest that Lookman’s quality surpasses that of most current Chelsea players, with the exception of Cole Palmer.
“Again, with all due respect, he is better than any other Chelsea player, with the possible exception of Cole Palmer,” Mba asserted. “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.”
Lookman has previously been linked with a return to the Premier League, where he began his career.
