Chelsea are readying a bid worth £58m to sign Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface this summer.
The West Londoners want to bring in another forward to ease the burden on Nicolas Jackson, with Enzo Maresca lacking a recognised alternative in his squad.
Christopher Nkunku has deputised in Jackson’s absence this season, though Maresca does not view the 27-year-old as an out-and-out forward. The Frenchman has also been linked with an exit in search of regular minutes.
Boniface no-look pass 😳🥵#UCL pic.twitter.com/qbSaQ57J1w
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 20, 2024
Boniface is now understood to be on Chelsea’s radar with Spanish outlet Fichajes claiming a bid is being prepared.
Leverkusen accepted an offer for the Nigeria international in January from Al-Nassr, though a deal fell through as the Saudi side switched their attention to Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran. Chelsea now want to capitalise and agree a deal to bring Boniface to the Premier League.
The 24-year-old has scored 31 goals in 52 games for Leverkusen since signing for the club from Union SG. Last season, he was named Bundesliga Rookie of the Season – awarded to the best player in their debut season – as Leverkusen won a historic German double without losing a game.
Chelsea are determined to bring in competition and cover for Jackson, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury. Maresca experimented with Cole Palmer as a false nine at Brighton but saw Chelsea crash to a 3-0 defeat.
The Blues have won just two of their last nine in the Premier League to drop to sixth in the table. Recruitment discussions are already taking place as Chelsea look to bring in depth in key areas in the summer window.
