Transfer Centre

Chelsea 'plotting summer move for Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface'

By Carter White | 22 February 2024

Chelsea are reportedly keen on signing Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface during the summer transfer window, although the German club are reluctant to sell the striker.

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface during the summer transfer window.

The 23-year-old has been a revelation for Xabi Alonso's men since moving to Germany from Belgian Pro League outfit Union SG in July 2023.

Boniface has scored 10 goals and provided seven assists for teammates in 16 Bundesliga matches, netting 16 times in 23 games across all competitions.

The Nigerian is part of a Leverkusen side who are currently unbeaten in the Bundesliga after 22 matches, sitting eight points clear of second-placed Bayern Munich.

According to Fichajes, Chelsea are keen on securing the services of Boniface ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, in which the Blues will be hoping to be involved in European competition.

Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface celebrates scoring their fourth goal with teammates Jonas Hofmann and Jeremie Frimpong on December 20, 2024 © Reuters

The report claims that Mauricio Pochettino's men are on the lookout for a new central-striking option during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Chelsea secured the services of strikers Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku ahead of the current campaign in an attempt to solve the team's attacking problems.

Former RB Leipzig man Nkunku has only played seven Premier League matches this season due to injury, while Jackson has managed a modest return of seven goals in 22 top-flight appearances.

It is understood that Leverkusen value Boniface at €40m (£34.2m), with the 23-year-old capturing the attention of many clubs during his first campaign in German football.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso reacts on February 17, 2024 © Reuters

With the striker's current deal at the BayArena expiring in the summer of 2028, Alonso's side are in no rush to part ways with their leading goalscorer.

It was suggested during the January transfer window that Chelsea had joined Premier League rivals Arsenal and West Ham United in the race for Boniface.

It is no secret that Mikel Arteta is looking for forward reinforcements to support the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah at the focal point of the Gunners' attack.

Ex-Manchester City man Cole Palmer is winning Chelsea's Golden Boot race, and the England international will be looking to lift his first silverware for the Blues when they face Liverpool in the EFL Cup final on Sunday.