Soccer
AC Milan are pushing ahead with plans to reshape their attacking options this summer, with Nigerian star Victor Boniface emerging as the club’s top transfer priority, Soccernet.ng reports.
Following the recent appointments of Massimiliano Allegri as head coach and former Lazio director Igli Tare as Sporting Director, the Rossoneri are set for a major squad overhaul ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. Central to their rebuild is the urgent search for a new frontman capable of leading the line at the San Siro.
With only Lorenzo Colombo and Santiago Gimenez currently in the striker department, neither of whom have truly convinced at the top level, Milan are targeting a high-impact addition.
According to Italian transfer insider Gianluigi Longari, Bayer Leverkusen’s Boniface is top of the wishlist — although the deal would be financially demanding.
The 24-year-old Nigerian forward played a pivotal role in Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga triumph last year. However, his momentum was checked by injuries during the just-concluded campaign.
Now fit, Boniface may find himself playing second fiddle to Patrik Schick under new Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag, potentially opening the door for a move to Milan where he could link up with international teammate Samuel Chukwueze.
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However, Milan aren’t putting all their eggs in one basket. Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is being monitored as a possible alternative, while fellow Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare is viewed as a more budget-friendly backup option.
Arokodare, 24, enjoyed a breakout season with Genk, finishing joint-top scorer in the Belgian Pro League with 21 goals. The 1.97m-tall striker has also caught the eye of Napoli, Burnley and Fulham.
Genk are reportedly open to a sale if the right offer arrives, with Transfermarkt valuing him at €18 million.
Having previously played for Cologne and Amiens, Arokodare joined Genk in early 2023 for €5 million. He’s under contract until 2027, but his recent form and rising profile make a summer exit highly likely. Genk’s hierarchy are even hopeful of surpassing their record sale — the €25 million deal that sent Sander Berge to Sheffield United.
With Milan’s summer rebuild gathering pace, Nigerian firepower could soon become the club’s new attacking heartbeat.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
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