Premier League sides will have to pay at least £40 million to land striker target Victor Boniface, with Newcastle United and Chelsea keen.
According to Football Insider, Newcastle United and Chelsea will have to shell out at least £40 million to sign Victor Boniface ahead of the summer transfer window. Bayer Leverkusen have opened the doors for the Nigerian’s departure, who has had a below-par season so far.
Victor Boniface made the news late in the winter transfer window when he was inches away from sealing a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. The fact that Bayer Leverkusen had a reported agreement with the Middle Eastern side for a fee close to £40 million did surprise a few given the Nigerian was still a key part of Xabi Alonso’s plans.
In a twist around then, Al-Nassr decided to chase Jhon Duran and found an agreement with Aston Villa, leading to Boniface’s transfer to collapse. In the aftermath of the saga, the Nigerian was offered to several Premier League sides, although none came in with an offer.
The whole saga made one thing clear, that is Leverkusen’s stance on the player and their £40 million asking price to sell the striker. The Bundesliga champions are open to selling the attacker in the upcoming summer for the reported £40 million fee, with a few Premier League sides still interested.
Chelsea are keen on signing Victor Boniface, as Enzo Maresca has faced problems in the absence of a recognised No.9 following Nicolas Jackson’s injury. The idea here is to bring someone to compete with the Senegal international, as the 24-year-old might be seen as an ideal candidate.
The Blues will be aware of the interest from elsewhere, although, among the pool of strikers ahead of the summer, they will feel Boniface fits their criteria. The price tag may not be an issue in Chelsea’s pursuit of the Nigerian striker, who has contributed to only 11 goals this season, with the player likely to leave the Bundesliga club for a fresh challenge.
Newcastle United to challenge Chelsea for Victor Boniface
Newcastle United are considering a move for Boniface, with Eddie Howe keen to bolster his attacking setup in the summer. The move for the Nigerian international might be connected to two things, the first being adding to the attack, while there are suggestions he could be the replacement option for Alexander Isak.
The Swede has attracted massive interest from Arsenal and Liverpool, although Newcastle United are eager to keep hold of Isak and add someone like Victor Boniface. In that scenario, the 24-year-old Nigerian striker will be the likely replacement for Callum Wilson, as it remains to be seen whether the Magpies are ready to pay the £40 million asking price.
