Chelsea join race for Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface?
The 23-year-old scored 17 goals in 51 games during one season with Belgian club Union SG before completing a move to Leverkusen last summer for around €20m.
Boniface has since continued his prolific form with Xabi Alonso's side, recording 16 goals and eight assists in 23 appearances for Leverkusen across all competitions, including 10 strikes in 16 Bundesliga outings.
The Nigerian has scored one-fifth of Leverkusen's goals in this season's German top-flight to help Alonso's men climb to the summit at the halfway stage, boasting a four-point lead over perennial winners Bayern Munich in second place.
Leverkusen are currently having to cope without the presence of Boniface, who is facing up to three months on the sidelines with a groin injury, forcing him to miss the Africa Cup of Nations.
Although Boniface is under contract at the BayArena until the summer of 2028, there has been speculation about a possible exit for the striker at some stage this year amid interest from the Premier League.
West Ham United have been strongly linked with a move for Boniface in recent weeks and are allegedly prepared to break their transfer record to lure the striker to the London Stadium.
The Hammers could potentially have an advantage in negotiations with Leverkusen due to the connections sporting director Tim Steidten has with his former colleagues at the German club.
Fellow London side Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in Boniface, with a recent report claiming that the Gunners have made an enquiry regarding his availability.
According to Football Insider, Chelsea are the latest club to register an interest in the
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