Chelsea be part of race to signal Bologna ahead Santiago Castro

Chelsea have joined the race to signal extremely rated Argentine centre-forward Santiago Castro from Bologna, based on Ekrem Konur.

Since arriving from Argentine outfit Vélez Sarsfield in January 2024, Castro has emerged as a standout determine in Serie A. He ended final season with 10 objectives and eight assists throughout all competitions for I Rossoblù and has remained central to Bologna’s momentum this time period, registering six aim involvements for Vincenzo Italiano’s facet as they push for European qualification.

These shows haven’t solely attracted membership curiosity but additionally earned recognition on the worldwide degree, with the 21-year-old receiving his first senior call-up to Argentina’s star-studded La Albiceleste squad in March.

Though he’s below contract on the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara till 2028, Bologna face a problem preserving maintain of the versatile ahead amid curiosity from a number of golf equipment, with Soccer Speak revealing Everton’s curiosity in current weeks.

The most recent membership to affix the race for Castro is Chelsea, based on Ekrem Konur, who claims that the Membership World Cup champions have expressed curiosity in signing the Argentine ahead in 2026.

The 21-year-old is seen as a ahead with exceptional potential, with Soccer Speak reporting in March that the teen is extremely regarded and has even been dubbed ‘Mini Lautaro’.

‘Mini Lautaro’

It seems Bologna, who’ve now positioned a steep price ticket on the teen, are properly conscious of his qualities and potential to grow to be an excellent higher participant, as Konur claims the Rossoblù have inserted a valuation of £34-43m on the Argentine centre-forward.

Nevertheless, Chelsea are set to face a fierce battle for Castro’s signature, as a number of golf equipment, together with Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Juventus, and Inter Milan, are additionally eager to signal the teen, based on the report.

The Blues at the moment have an array of centre-forward choices on their books, having already introduced in Liam Delap and Joao Pedro in the summertime.

They’ve additionally finalised agreements for Emanuel Emegha and Dastan Satpaev to reach subsequent 12 months, with Marc Guiu and academy teen Shumaira Mheuka nonetheless at Stamford Bridge.

Whereas they’ve proven attacking profligacies, notably of their current Premier League defeat to Aston Villa, the place they might solely convert one in all their 19 makes an attempt, the centre-forward place appears well-stacked. As a substitute, the membership ought to prioritise different positions, such because the backline, which has been a significant concern since Maresca took over.