Vieri backs Eagles star, tips Chelsea to win English Premier League
SERIE A and Italy legend Christian Vieri has tipped Super Eagles’ star, Ademola Lookman, as the potential game changer for the UEFA Champions League finalists, just as he has backed Chelsea to win the 2005/26 English Premier League.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, commended the work of Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, backing the Blues to lift the 2025-26 Premier League and also claiming “for now Inter have the best squad” in Serie A, “especially if they land Lookman” but that “signing De Bruyne speaks for itself” for Napoli.
Vieri also said that he “hopes” the new Inter head coach Cristian Chivu will get “more time than clubs like Inter, Milan and Juve usually give in Italy.”
Lookman has been linked strongly with a move from Atalanta to Inter, with speculation surrounding a deal increasing in the last 24 hours. After praising Inter for signing young players like Ange-Yoan Bonny, who Vieri described as “very young, very fast – and when you’re that fast, that’s a real weapon,” he said that an “experienced” player “like Lookman is different. He makes the difference, he changes games. If you can get someone like Lookman, you get him – no question.”
Lookman scored 15 Serie A goals for Atalanta last campaign – marking three consecutive seasons in Serie A with double-digits in goals scored. Inter see Lookman as a strong opportunity to reinforce their attack ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Vieri was present in the USA for the Club World Cup and praised the “great tournament”, lauding Gianni Infantino as the “best president in FIFA history.”
Chelsea won the tournament, defeating PSG in the final. Vieri “thought PSG would win” but argued “when you win all the time, you get cocky. And then comes the slap in the face because there are others hungrier than you.”
Vieri was very complimentary of the work Enzo Maresca is doing at Chelsea, saying that “he worked with Guardiola for years, and it shows. It wasn’t just about high pressing, it was possession-based, organised football with fast players, quality and power, which always adds something. For me, Chelsea will win the Premier League next season and be a contender for the Champions League.”
Meanwhile, Inter Milan have given Atalanta a take-it-or-leave-it offer of €40 million for Lookman.
According to Italian broadcaster, SportMediaset, via FCInterNews, the Nerazzurri have no intention of raising their bid for the Nigerian international.
Inter’s interest in the 27-year-old is more than just a passing interest. They have already approached the player, who is keen to make the move. Inter have also signalled their interest to Atalanta. They are ready to move fast and make an offer to get talks started.