Chelsea Shifts Attention to Another Nigerian Forward Amid PSG’s Interest in Victor Osimhen: Report

Chelsea Shifts Attention to Another Nigerian Forward Amid PSG’s Interest in Victor Osimhen: Report

Ero Samson
updated at February 23, 2024 at 2:06 PM
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  • The immediate future of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is currently a topic of hot discussion
  • Chelsea, alongside Paris Saint-Germain, are currently interested in signing the forward
  • A report of Chelsea shifting their transfer focus to another Nigerian forward has emerged

The race for the signature of Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen, stands out as a hot topic among top European clubs ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

The marquee forward, who dazzled in the 2022-23 season, has reportedly become the centre of attention for major clubs including Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.

Victor Osimhen, Chelsea, PSG, Napoli, Transfers, Boniface
Victor Osimhen reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 Round of 16 match between SSC Napoli and FC Barcelona. Image: Jonathan Moscrop.
Source: Getty Images

With PSG seeking a replacement for the departing Kylian Mbappe and the Blues in search of a reliable goal-scorer, both clubs are leading the charge to secure Osimhen's signature.

However, as the summer window approaches, the buzz surrounding the Nigerian star has intensified, with numerous other clubs joining the fray.

Recently, former Italian striker, Alessandro Matri, advocated for Juventus to pursue Osimhen, potentially at the expense of current forward, Dusan Vlahovic.

However, a report of Chelsea considering another Nigerian striker as an alternative for the 25-year-old has emerged.

Chelsea’s alternative to Osimhen

As per a recent report by ESPN, the 2021 UEFA Champions League winners are now setting their sights on Bayer Leverkusen’s rising star, Victor Boniface.

The former Union Saint-Gilliose forward has been one of Europe’s breakout stars of the season. With 10 goals and seven assists in 16 Bundesliga appearances so far, the 23-year-old is one of the most potent forwards across Europe.

What sets Boniface apart is not just his on-field prowess but also his attractive market value, making him a more economical option compared to Osimhen.

This factor, among others, could well be a reason Mauricio Pochettino's side are showing interest in the forward.

Nonetheless, with the summer transfer window fast approaching, it remains to be seen which clubs the Nigerian duo will end up at.

Rohr’s advice to Osimhen

Sports Brief also previously reported on the former coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Gernot Rohr, advising Victor Osimhen on the ideal club to join.

The 25-year-old is a subject of interest from many European clubs but septuagenarian suggested staying in Ligue 1 would suit the Napoli forward.

Osimhen made his debut for the Nigerian national team under the German and has gone on to impress at a club level with the Serie A champions.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).