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News
- 44 minutes ago
Chelsea plot €70m move for RECORD-BREAKING striker
Tom Weber
- Updated: 10 Oct 2025 08:46 BST
- 4 min read
News
Chelsea are plotting a 2026 move for Bologna youngster Santiago Castro, according to two sources in Italy.
The Blues have endured a minor striker crisis in the early stages of this season due to Liam Delap's long-term injury. Although Chelsea had the chance to sign a replacement as he went down while the window was still open, they opted to keep their powder dry.
With Nicolas Jackson having refused to return from his loan to Bayern, Chelsea had to recall young Marc Guiu from Sunderland, but the Spaniard has so far only made one appearance since heading back to Stamford Bridge.
Current ETV
Santiago Castro
F (C)
Bologna
Santiago Castro
F (C)
Bologna
ETV Range
€41.2M - €50.4M
Joao Pedro has had to shoulder most of the loan, and winger Tyrique George has also had to deputise up top. The former hasn't scored since mid-September, while the latter has yet to net against top-flight opposition at all this term.
Although Delap is set to return from his injury before the January window opens, Chelsea seemingly want to safeguard against a similar situation in the second half of the season by bringing in a reinforcement in the winter.
Chelsea poised to sign Castro
According to Calciomercato and Quotidiano Sportivo, Chelsea have been taking a keen interest in the development of Bologna striker Santiago Castro over the past year.
The latter outlet reports that the Blues recently sent scout Claudio Damiani to Bologna's clash with Pisa. However, the club representative left frustrated before the game even finished as Castro was an unused substitute.
It is also added that Arsenal have been keeping tabs on the Argentina international, confirming FootballTransfers' reporting from earlier this year. Chelsea are seemingly at the front of the queue now, though.
The 21-year-old is the youngest player in Bologna's history to score 10 goals in Serie A, but his start to the current season has been slow, only netting once so far in seven appearances across all competitions.
Nevertheless, Chelsea look poised to approach the player in January. Bologna, for their part, will demand a hefty fee. Having rejected a big-money offer from Al-Nassr in the summer, they value Castro between €50 million and €70m.
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