Chelsea get discount on record-breaking striker who's already learning English

Tom Weber

• 9 Dec 2025 04:15 CST
• 3 min read

Nieuws

Bologna may be forced to cash in on Santiago Castro, who was heavily linked with Chelsea in October, according to Italian media.

The Argentine youngster is one of the most promising talents in Serie A. Castro's numbers aren't spectacular - he has scored five goals in 17 appearances this season - but he has had to play through injury for months this year.

The 21-year-old is the youngest player in Bologna's history to score 10 Serie A goals, and his exploits haven't gone unnoticed. Premier League clubs have been keeping tabs on the striker ever since he arrived in Italy.

In October, Chelsea were repeatedly associated with a potential move for Castro, who admitted that he is learning English. However, Castro insisted at the time that he is determined to win more silverware with Bologna after triumphing in the Coppa Italia last term.

That commitment could be put to the test in 2026, though, as the Serie A club are reportedly in danger of having to make some potentially painful sales to balance the books.

Castro to leave Bologna?

At least that is according to Tuttomercatoweb, which also reports that an official from Nottingham Forest was in attendance at the Stadio Olimpico during Bologna's 1-1 draw with Lazio on Sunday.

The Reds are the latest Premier League side to take an interest in Castro. The report adds that Inter actively tried to sign the 21-year-old in the summer, only to baulk at Bologna's €50 million asking price.

This is a lower fee than the €70m previously touted, but it is likely to prove irrelevant as the Italian outlet claims that a January move is out of the question for Castro. Bologna are currently on course to qualify for Europe again and want to keep the youngster until the end of the season.

There has even been talk of a potential contract extension, but Castro is among the club's most valuable assets, so a transfer in 2026 can't be ruled out. Premier League clubs would have no issue matching Bologna's asking price.

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