Chelsea 'doing homework' on Bundesliga goal machine

Cameron Smith

• 24 Sept 2024 21:30 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea are “doing their homework” on Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface as their search for a new number nine continues.

The Blues have been chasing a reliable goalscorer since Diego Costa’s exit in 2018 and Boniface is their latest target following the club’s failure to sign Victor Osimhen during the summer window.

The Napoli star was Chelsea’s primary transfer target this summer, however they were unable to finalise a deal and Osimhen eventually joined Galatasaray on loan instead.

READ MORE: Chelsea initiate 'new contact' with Osimhen

Despite Nicolas Jackson’s recent form, Enzo Maresca’s side are still interested in adding a new centre-forward to their squad in 2025 and Boniface has now emerged as an option.

According to TBR Football, Chelsea are “doing their homework” on the Bayer Leverkusen striker, with scouts sent to watch him in action on a regular basis in recent weeks.

Furthermore, Blues scouts were reportedly in attendance during Leverkusen’s 4-3 victory over Wolfsburg on Sunday, with Boniface scoring a last-minute winner for Xabi Alonso’s side.

READ MORE: Arsenal rival Chelsea and Real Madrid in wonderkid race

The Nigeria international now has four goals and one assist in six appearances so far this season, and he notched 31 goal contributions during his debut campaign at Leverkusen last year.

Tottenham Hotspur were reportedly interested in signing Boniface before they finalised a deal for Dominic Solanke, while West Ham United and Arsenal have both been linked with a move too.

Enzo Maresca on Nicolas Jackson

Although Chelsea continue to be linked with a new number nine, Maresca has insisted he is happy with the aforementioned Jackson.

After the Senegal international’s brace against West Ham, Maresca told the Chelsea website: “He was very good. Not only because he scored twice; the way he works off the ball has been fantastic. He and Cole sometimes had to defend three-on-two.

“So I am happy with Nicolas in terms of numbers - goals and assists - but especially happy because the way he has worked has been fantastic.”