Not Osimhen: Chelsea to go all out for Super Eagles star amid Arsenal, Man United interest – Report

English Premier League side,  Chelsea FC, have set their sights on Nigerian forward Victor Boniface as their priority summer signing, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The Stamford Bridge outfit are shifting focus away from Napoli-owned Victor Osimhen to bolsters their squad with his countryman's signature, despite heavy competition from Arsenal, Newcastle, and Manchester United.

The Blues, in desperate need of a reliable goal scorer, were previously linked with Osimhen, but concerns over his salary demands reportedly led them to consider a more financially viable yet equally prolific alternative in Boniface.

READ MORE:

• Boniface present as Chidera Ejuke’s Sevilla fall to Barcelona again
• No Osimhen, Lookman or Boniface: Two Nigerian stars among Europe’s 50 most fouled players
• Can ‘Untalented’ Victor Boniface revive Super Eagles 2026 World Cup hopes?

Although several reports have linked them back to the former LOSC Lille with a more suitable salary structure for the Super Eagles talisman, but no official statement has been made to that effect.

Boniface has been in red-hot form for Bayer Leverkusen, playing a key role in their Bundesliga title victory last season and building up on that with 10 goals in 20 appearances this season.

His performances have caught the attention of several Premier League giants, which could spark an intense transfer battle in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Per reports by CaughtOffside as cited by Transfer News Live, Chelsea, are prepared to do “whatever it takes” to win the race for the Super Eagles striker, who has also drawn admiration from Arsenal, Manchester United, and Newcastle.

Chelsea are prepared to do “whatever it takes” to sign Victor Boniface this summer despite competition from Arsenal, Newcastle and Manchester United.

(Source: @CaughtOffside) pic.twitter.com/kB1Z6Yn2sB

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 8, 2025

The West London club sees Boniface as a long-term solution to their striking woes and is reportedly ready to table a lucrative offer to convince both Leverkusen and the player.

With the summer transfer window approaching, Chelsea’s pursuit of Boniface could intensify, but they will have to fend off stiff competition from top European clubs.