West Ham and Chelsea are reportedly battling to complete the signing of Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface this summer.
The Hammers could look to sign a new attacking hero come the end of the season, especially if Michail Antonio ends up moving on, with his current deal expiring once the current campaign reaches its conclusion.
At 33, the West Ham ace arguably isn’t the force he used to be leading the line, which is highlighted by the fact that he has only started 11 Premier League games this season.
According to a fresh transfer update from Football Insider, the east Londoners are keen on signing Boniface in the summer transfer window, but face stiff competition from Chelsea:
“West Ham are set to be joined by Chelsea and other Premier League clubs in the race for Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
“It is believed multiple top-flight English clubs are already laying the groundwork to sign the 23-year-old – who will not be released from the German club in the January window despite interest.”
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“A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Leverkusen will soften their stance on letting him leave for the right price in the summer window – potentially spawning a bidding war for the striker’s signature.”
Boniface could be an excellent summer signing by West Ham, given the pedigree he has. He may be sidelined by injury currently, failing to aid Leverkusen in their Bundesliga title push – they are top of the table of Bayern Munich, as things stand – but he has proven himself as an excellent player in recent years.
The 23-year-old’s impact in 2023/24 before his fitness setback is highlighted by an eye-catching return of 10 goals and seven assists in 16 league appearances, and that level of end product could make the Hammers even more of a force moving forward.
Boniface is still a young footballer, so he would be coming in as someone who could make an impact for many years to come, although he is contracted with Leverkusen until 2028, so a sizeable bid may be required to seal his services.
With Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen already such key attacking players for West Ham, the Nigerian ace could be a great foil for the Hammers duo moving forward, leading the line with a combination of finishing and creativity.
