Serie A giants AC Milan have identified Super Eagles and current Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface as the number one alternative to Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee if they fail to land the services of the Dutch-invitee.
According to Il Corriere dello Sport, the Rossoneri will surely sign a new centre forward for next season to replace French international Olivier Giroud who is set to join MLS side LAFC this summer.
Reports in Italy show that Milan have labelled Bologna starman Zirkzee as the club's primary target for next season, but the recent update of his buyout clause that is in the region of €50 million is a big reason to look at different options.
According to a recent report from Gazzetta, Bologna are also hoping to sell the Super Eagles-eligible striker for as much as €75 million, the same amount another Serie A side Atalanta sold Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester United last season.
Milan have kept tabs on the Super Eagles forward for a while
The printed edition of today's Corriere dello Sport newspaper is reporting that Milan have made Boniface a secondary target if they fail to land Zirkzee. Boniface only recently returned from injury after missing out of the Africa Cup of Nations held in Ivory Coast.
The Bayer Leverkusen star has always been a long-time Milan target, as they tried to sign him from Belgian side Union St Gilloise but failed to reach an agreement with the representatives of the Nigerian. Boniface’s transfer value is said to be in the region of €40m-€50m.
The Super Eagles striker has made an impressive contribution so far this season for the soon-to-be-crowned Bundesliga champions by registering 16 goals and providing 9 assists in 25 appearances across all competitions. He has a running contract with the Bundesliga outfit that will expire in the summer of 2028.
Premier League clubs set their sights on Boniface
Milan are not the only team eyeing Boniface in Italy. Serie A defending champions Napoli are also keen on the Super Eagles striker as a potential replacement for Victor Osimhen who might likely leave Naples this summer.
Only recently, transfer expert Florian Plattenberg stated that a Premier League club is keen on acquiring Boniface's services during the summer transfer window.
Bayer Leverkusen will only listen to offers in the region of €55 million for Boniface, and even with the unknown tag being pegged over the Premier League side, the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and even Manchester United have all been listed as potential destinations for the 23-year-old.
