Arsenal & Chelsea can sign Nigerian striker for half of Osimhen fee

Tom Weber

Updated: 26 Mar 2024 11:24 GMT
4 min read

Victor Osimhen, Napoli, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Arsenal and Chelsea could land Victor Boniface for half of what they would have to pay for Victor Osimhen, according to German media.

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The Napoli forward is expected to get a big-money transfer in the summer. Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG have all been credited with an interest in Osimhen, though the Gunners' top target for the upcoming transfer window is Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres, as revealed by FootballTransfers.

Osimhen won't come cheap, however, with the 25-year-old boasting a €130 million release clause in his Napoli deal in addition to his sizeable wages. This means that clubs will have to draw up contingency plans should the Nigerian prove unattainable.

One viable alternative to Osimhen could be Victor Boniface. The Bayer Leverkusen star has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea in recent weeks and it has now been revealed that he would be significantly cheaper than his compatriot.

Osimhen's asking price revealed

According to Sky Germany, "two or three Premier League clubs are ready to pay a lot of money for Boniface in the summer." Bayer Leverkusen's current stance is that the 23-year-old is not for sale, however, it is claimed that they would be willing to change their tune for an "astronomical offer."

The Bundesliga leaders will use the fee they received from Aston Villa for Moussa Diaby as a benchmark for Boniface, it is asserted. The Werkself would be willing to negotiate for a figure in the region of €55m-€60m.

Boniface has been out since the turn of the year with an adductor injury, but he is set to return to the pitch shortly. According to the above-mentioned report, the striker will be "one to watch" in the summer transfer window.

Prior to his injury, the Nigerian sharpshooter notched an absurd 16 goals and eight assists in 23 games across all competitions for Bayer 04.