Arsenal offered 'next Lewandowski' amid Watkins interest

Cameron Smith

31 Jan 2025 05:00 CST
4 min read

Arsenal have reportedly been “offered” the chance to sign Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface following his failed move to Saudi Arabia.

The Nigeria international had agreed to join Al-Nassr for a fee of around €60 million, but the Saudi Pro League outfit pulled out of talks to sign him after finalising a deal to purchase Aston Villa star Jhon Duran instead.

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Boniface has now returned to Leverkusen training, but the reigning Bundesliga champions have now “offered” his services to the likes of Aston Villa and Arsenal, according to TBR Football.

In addition, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all been made aware of his situation following their long-term interest in the Nigerian.

Boniface has scored eight goals in 15 appearances across all competitions so far this season, while he has three-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract at Bayer Leverkusen.

The 24-year-old was recently compared to Bayern Munich legend Robert Lewandowski by the official Bundesliga website and although Leverkusen are happy to keep him at the club this month, they are open to a sale for the right price.

© IMAGO - Victor Boniface, Bayer Leverkusen

Ollie Watkins to Arsenal update

News that Arsenal could sign Boniface before Deadline Day follows their renewed interest in Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins.

The England international is a boyhood Gunners fan, but Mikel Arteta’s side have seen an initial offer rebuffed by the Villa Park outfit.

Furthermore, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has stated that Arsenal must submit a “crazy” bid to land Watkins during the January transfer window, with Unai Emery determined to retain the 29-year-old this month amid Duran’s imminent move to Saudi Arabia.

In addition to their pursuit of Watkins, Arsenal are also interested in signing the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres, Dusan Vlahovic and Alexander Isak, while Victor Osimhen was a reported transfer target last summer.