Chelsea’s pursuit of Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has hit a snag as the player expresses a preference for German and Spanish football, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The West London giants are being tipped to make a big-money attacking acquisition in 2025, with Boniface emerging as a leading target, according to TEAMTalk.
Boniface, 23, played a key role in Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal win last season, netting 21 goals and providing 10 assists in 34 games across all competitions despite missing some matches due to injury.
The Nigeria international has continued his impressive form this season, scoring four goals and assisting one in his first six matches. Chelsea could reportedly sign the ex-Union SG man for around £70m, with some people at Stamford Bridge believing Boniface should be their top target over Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
The Leverkusen striker would also command a lower wage than his compatriot.
However, Boniface’s recent comments on Sporty TV have cast doubt on a potential move to the Premier League.
“I did an interview before; I’m not saying it because I’m at this level; I’ve been saying it before I even had an international passport or before coming to Europe that I don’t really like the Premier League. I prefer German and Spanish football,” Boniface said.
“I’m not saying if a top team come for me, I won’t go, but if you ask me the two countries I’d love to live and play in, it’s Germany and Spain.”
Chelsea are also considering alternatives such as Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.Transfer News Live reported that Chelsea scouts have been monitoring Boniface in recent weeks, adding to the growing list of Nigerian players attracting attention from top European clubs.
Boniface joined Leverkusen last season for €20m from Royale Union SG. His outstanding performances helped the German side secure domestic success and reach the Europa League final, where they lost to Atalanta.
The Akure-born striker is currently valued at €40m by Transfermarkt and has four years left on his Leverkusen contract. The Bundesliga champions will hope to retain their prized asset, having previously warded off interest from Manchester United by placing a £47m price tag on him last summer.(Punch)
