Transfer: Chelsea step up chase for Victor Boniface

Chelsea are reportedly preparing a summer move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Nigerian striker Victor Boniface as they seek to bolster their attacking options.

The Blues are in the market for a new forward to provide competition for Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu, both of whom have struggled with injuries.

In their absence, manager Enzo Maresca has resorted to deploying Pedro Neto as a false nine in recent weeks.

According to CaughtOffside (via TEAMtalk), Chelsea are making a strong push to secure Boniface’s signature despite increasing competition from other Premier League clubs.

Manchester United and Arsenal are also monitoring the 24-year-old’s situation, while Newcastle United have identified him as a potential replacement should they lose Alexander Isak.

Aware of the growing interest, Chelsea are reportedly planning talks with both Leverkusen and Boniface in the coming weeks.

The Bundesliga champions are expected to demand around €70 million for their prolific striker.

Boniface has been in fine form this season, netting seven goals in 14 Bundesliga appearances and scoring 10 times in 20 matches across all competitions.

His performances have also earned him a place in coach Eric Chelle’s 39-man provisional squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.