Juventus shortlist Boniface should Osimhen deal collapse

• Juventus are monitoring Victor Boniface as an alternative to top target Victor Osimhen
• Boniface has struggled with injuries this season but played a key role in Leverkusen’s unbeaten title-winning campaign last year
• Other striker options for the Bianconeri include Loïs Openda, Georges Mikautadze, and Arnaud Kalimuendo

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has emerged as a potential summer transfer target for Juventus as the Italian giants consider alternatives to Victor Osimhen.

With an overhaul expected in their attacking department ahead of the 2024–25 season, Juventus are exploring multiple options as Dusan Vlahovic and Randal Kolo Muani are both expected to depart. Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, remains the Bianconeri’s top priority. However, his €75 million price tag and growing interest from clubs across Europe and Asia may force Juve to reconsider.

Osimhen’s parent club, Napoli, may also be reluctant to sell to a direct Serie A rival, making a deal even more complicated.

According to Tuttosport, Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli is now closely monitoring Victor Boniface, who has fallen down the pecking order at Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso. Although the German champions were previously open to letting the Nigerian striker leave, an injury-hit season and limited starts could make the Bundesliga side more amenable to negotiations.

Boniface, 24, has scored eight goals and contributed two assists in 19 Bundesliga appearances this season, following a standout debut campaign where he bagged 21 goals and nine assists in 34 matches, helping Leverkusen clinch both the Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal while going unbeaten.

Boniface came close to joining Saudi club Al Nassr in January after passing a medical, but the deal fell through at the final stages.

Juventus are also tracking other forwards including RB Leipzig’s Loïs Openda, who scored 29 goals and provided seven assists last season, although he would command a high fee after his €40m move from Lens in 2023.

Other potential options include Georges Mikautadze of Metz, who has netted 16 goals and 11 assists this season and is valued at around €25 million, and Rennes forward Arnaud Kalimuendo.

“I'm focused on Galatasaray’s championship,” Osimhen silences transfer rumours

Earlier, TheRadar reported that Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen insisted that his focus remained solely on Galatasaray’s title ambitions.

The 26-year-old goal machine, currently on loan from Napoli, has been in devastating form for the Turkish giants, scoring 28 goals and registering five assists in 32 appearances across all competitions.