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€70m striker set for Chelsea transfer audition
Tom Weber
- Updated: 15 Apr 2026 15:53 BST
- 4 min read
News
Chelsea scouts will be in attendance to watch Bologna striker Santiago Castro against Aston Villa on Thursday.
The reigning Coppa Italia holders travel to Birmingham for their Europa League quarter-final second leg against Unai Emery's men. Last Thursday, Bologna were on the receiving end of an unfortunate 3-1 defeat.
Despite being the better team and witnessing an inspired performance from Jonathan Rowe, the Rossoblu were unable to convert their chances and got caught napping defensively on several occasions. As a result, they will have a mountain to climb at Villa Park.
Compared
Jonathan Rowe
F (L), M (RL)
Bologna
Jonathan Rowe
F (L), M (RL)
Bologna
VS
Santiago Castro
F (C)
Bologna
Santiago Castro
F (C)
Bologna
|
|
ETV |
|
| €16.4M - €20M | ETV Range | €38.3M - €46.8M |
| 22 years old (30 Apr, 2003) | Age | 21 years old (18 Sep, 2004) |
|
England
|
Nationality |
Argentina
|
Nevertheless, there is some optimism in Italy that Bologna can at least give Aston Villa a scare. On paper, they certainly have the firepower to do some damage. In addition to Rowe, young striker Castro is a player worth keeping an eye on.
Indeed, that is exactly what scouts of big Premier League teams will do on Thursday. According to Il Resto del Carlino, representatives from Chelsea and Man Utd will be in attendance to monitor the 21-year-old's performance.
Chelsea back in for Castro
Castro has no shortage of Premier League suitors, and the report implies that his most likely destination, if he is to leave Bologna, is England. FootballTransfers exclusively reported last spring that the Argentine was being watched by Arsenal.
Later in 2025, various reports emerged from Italy, claiming that Chelsea were showing a strong interest in signing the diminutive forward. There was talk of a fee potentially in the region of €70 million.
His current Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €42.5m, so €70m would be a significant premium. That said, he signed a new long-term contract with Bologna in February, which certainly puts the club in an advantageous negotiating position.
Castro has netted 11 goals this season, a decent return considering that he played through a nasty injury in the early months of the season. Because of this injury, he was unable to make his senior Argentina debut.
He has had spells this season where he has struggled to find the back of the net - he is currently in the midst of a seven-game scoring drought in Serie A - but Chelsea's continued interest suggests that they see something special in the youngster.
Football transfer news headlines today
Transfer Rumours: Chelsea home in on €85m Fernandez replacement as move greenlit
Arsenal Transfer News Today: €70m Gordon bombshell as Arteta decision made
Chelsea Transfer News Today: Van Hecke says yes to move as €70m verdict drops
Man Utd Transfer News Today: Nico Williams demands €90m Red Devils move after agreement reached
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