Al Nassr are set to make a crucial decision on Wednesday regarding their striker pursuit, narrowing their choices to either Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface or Aston Villa's Jhon Duran. The Saudi Arabian club has already secured a verbal agreement with Boniface, though the deal remains incomplete while they simultaneously explore the possibility of signing Duran.
The club's ambitious transfer plans initially included Liverpool's Darwin Nunez, but the Merseyside club has firmly stated their intention to retain the 25-year-old striker, considering him vital to Arne Slot's squad as they compete for major honors this season. While a significant market for Nunez is anticipated in the summer, Liverpool's current stance remains unchanged.
Earlier Tuesday, developments accelerated as Boniface was excused from Leverkusen training, suggesting a potential move to Al Nassr could be imminent. The Nigeria international joined Leverkusen in 2023 from Union Saint-Gilloise, where he impressed with 21 goals and 10 assists in 34 games during their successful Bundesliga and German Cup campaign. However, his current season has been hampered by a hamstring injury and other fitness concerns, limiting him to 15 appearances with eight goals.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa's Duran presents an intriguing alternative. The Athletic reports that Villa would consider offers around £80m for the Colombian striker if terms suit all parties. The 21-year-old, who arrived from Chicago Fire in January 2023 and is contracted until 2030, has shown promise with 12 goals across all competitions this season, including a memorable winner against Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Despite his impact, Duran has started only seven matches under Unai Emery. Earlier this month, West Ham United demonstrated serious interest with a £57million bid, following a summer approach where personal terms were agreed but the move ultimately fell through.
Al Nassr, currently fourth in the Saudi Pro League, boasts an impressive squad under Stefano Pioli, featuring stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcelo Brozovic, Sadio Mane, and Aymeric Laporte. Their pursuit of either Boniface or Duran signals their continued commitment to strengthening their attacking options and maintaining their competitive edge in Saudi Arabian football.
