Boavista's head coach, Armando Gonçalves Teixeira, also known as ‘Petit,' has issued a firm plea to the club, urging them not to entertain any offers for their players, especially amid growing rumours of Bruno Onyemaechi's potential exit, Soccernet.ng reports.
Portuguese giants Porto have been making covert moves to secure Onyemaechi's services, but now, they face a fresh competitor in the form of French club RC Lens.
According to reports from FootMercato, RC Lens have set their sights on Onyemaechi.
The Ligue I campaigners, having earned a spot in the prestigious Champions League, are actively bolstering their squad to maintain competitiveness this season.
Following the departures of Seko Fofana and Lois Openda, RC Lens have already secured the signings of Andy Diouf and Elye Wahi. However, they are not content with just that.
The Lens management is eager to reinforce the team's left side and provide competition for Deiver Machado.
The primary target in their crosshairs is Boavista left-back Onyemaechi.
The Nigerian international is an undisputed starter at Boavista, having featured in 35 matches last season, contributing two goals and one assist.
Onyemaechi and Boavista have kicked off the new season with remarkable victories against Benfica and Portimonense. In their latest triumph, a convincing 4-1 away win against Portimonense, the 24-year-old full-back even provided an assist.
Given this brilliant start to the campaign and the fact that Boavista cannot make new registrations, Petit has engaged in discussions with club president Vítor Murta, aiming to prevent further departures from the squad before the transfer market closes.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Petit emphasised the importance of retaining their key players, saying,
“Yes, that's what I said, and I've been talking to the president…
“We can't lose anyone; we're fine, but the championship is long. We must have a strong group because there are positive and negative cycles. We hope that the market closes.”
With the transfer saga in full swing, Bruno Onyemaechi will be keen to maintain his influential role as Boavista face Casa Pia in a Primeira Lig clash today (Sunday, August 27).
