Super Eagles forward Victor Boniface is reportedly of interest to Italian club SSC Napoli as a replacement for compatriot Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen is the most sought-after striker in Europe at the moment, with several clubs pursuing the Nigerian forward.
English Premier League side Chelsea have long been an admirers of Osimhen but may miss out on the Nigerian due to PSG's interest in the player, aiming to replace Kylian Mbappe, who is set to join Real Madrid in the summer.
Osimhen, aged 25, recently returned from the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where he played a pivotal role in helping the Super Eagles secure a second-place finish.
He has emerged as the top contender to replace the 2018 World Cup winner from France, with the club considering a transfer approach.
Earlier reports from Football Italia suggest that Paris Saint-Germain are aiming to make a significant offer for Osimhen.
The club intends to present a €120 million bid (equivalent to approximately ₦194 billion in Nigerian currency) for the Super Eagles striker as a replacement for Kylian Mbappe.
This offer would trigger Osimhen's release clause from Napoli, which is estimated to be between €120 million and €130 million.
Is Boniface the only player on Napoli's wish-list?
Napoli's transfer wish-list includes several prominent names, starting with Joshua Zirkzee, who has been making waves in Serie A as Bologna's primary striker, aiming to lead them to their first European qualification in over two decades.
Zirkzee has garnered interest from Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and several Italian clubs. Napoli are aware that the asking price for Zirkzee may surpass the €40 million buyback clause confirmed by Bayern Munich, so they are exploring alternative options, including a potential move for Jonathan David from Lille, reminiscent of their approach when signing Osimhen.
Jonathan David, a Canadian international, has been linked with Tottenham, Manchester United, and even Brentford. With his contract at Lille nearing its end, there's a higher likelihood of David being sold this summer, potentially mirroring Osimhen's transfer to Napoli in 2020.
Another player on Napoli's radar, sharing similarities with Osimhen, is his compatriot Victor Boniface, who currently shines for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
Lastly, Napoli are eyeing Feyenoord's Santiago Gimenez, who has gained recognition in Italy following his performances against Roma and Lazio in recent European matches.
Could Boniface join Chelsea or Arsenal instead?
According to The Athletic, Chelsea have identified Boniface, who currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, and Brentford forward Ivan Toney as potential transfer targets to strengthen their attacking lineup.
However, the report indicates that Chelsea are leaning more towards Boniface due to concerns about Toney's age, as the English striker turns 28 in March.
Additionally, Chelsea are reportedly keeping tabs on Brighton & Hove Albion's Evan Ferguson and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko as potential signings for the upcoming summer transfer window.
Boniface, who is expected to recover from a groin injury sustained in April, is also attracting interest from Arsenal.
