Chelsea target was snubbed by Saudi Arabian club but failed £58m transfer left him ‘happy’ | Football | Sport

Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a move for Victor Boniface three months after he failed to secure a transfer to Saudi Arabia. The Nigeria international seemed destined for a move to Al-Nassr towards the end of the January window but the Saudi outfit pulled the plug on a deal.

Al-Nassr were desperate to sign a new striker to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. They lined up deals for Boniface and Jhon Duran before making a late decision. It was Duran whose £64million switch was given the green light by officials, with Boniface forced to remain with Bayer Leverkusen. However, the 24-year-old is said to have been ‘happy’ and did not allow missing out on signing a lucrative contract ruin his mood.

Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said a week after deadline day: “He’s very good now and I think he’s happy. He’s happy with the guys. That’s what I feel every day when I see him.

“He’s laughing in the locker room with the other crazy guys. They have a lot of fun together and he knows he has a bright future, so it’s not a once-in-a-lifetime chance.”

Now, a move to Chelsea could be on the cards. CaughtOffside report that the Blues are eyeing a move for the forward as an alternative to Alexander Isak.

Chelsea are expected to sign a new centre-forward in the summer transfer window. Nicolas Jackson’s inconsistency has been a source of frustration. The Senegal international has also spent large periods of the season out injured, with Enzo Maresca struggling to find a replacement.

Isak and Benjamin Sesko have been strongly linked with the west Londoners. Both players have interest from other Premier League and European clubs, with Chelsea facing a major battle to sign either player. An alternative such as Boniface could be an ideal agreement to strike.

Jackson had scored nine Premier League goals before suffering a hamstring injury in February. He is expected to miss a large part of the remainder of the season.

To return to the top of the Premier League, Chelsea need a player who can match the scoring exploits of the likes of Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah. Boniface has scored seven Bundesliga goals in only 837 minutes this season – the equivalent of just under 10 matches. He would provide excellent competition to Jackson.