Aston Villa Ready To Battle Chelsea For €50m Serie A Forward: The Right Tactical Fit For Unai Emery? | OneFootball

Reputed outlet Sport Witness relayed recent reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, regarding a transfer chase. These reports indicate that Aston Villa and Chelsea intend to compete for Bologna striker Santiago Castro in the approaching transfer window.

The 21-year-old Argentine forward captured the attention of scouts from both Premier League clubs. This interest followed his move from Velez Sarsfield to Italy at the start of 2024. However, Castro is currently experiencing a dip in scoring form.

Aston Villa and Chelsea intend to compete for Bologna striker Santiago Castro

Even so, the Argentine striker still brings a lot to the team. Scouts from Aston Villa have tracked the attacker for nearly two years. The club view him as a viable long-term successor to Ollie Watkins.

Chelsea also view Castro as an ideal candidate to strengthen their attacking options, particularly as other targets like Liam Delap face different fitness or availability issues. Despite the intense interest from England, Bologna maintain a firm stance regarding their asset.

The Serie A side value Castro between €40 million and €50 million. They aim to secure his future with a contract extension until 2029. This proposed deal includes a salary increase to €800,000 annually plus bonuses.

However, since both English clubs have the financial strength to offer a better deal, Bologna face a difficult challenge to retain the player if Villa or Chelsea put in a formal bid.

Tactical Analysis: Is Castro the right fit for Unai Emery?

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 19: Santiago Castro of Bologna FC 1909 battles for possession with Federico Dimarco of Internazionale during the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal match between Bologna FC 1909 and FC Internazionale at King Saud University Stadium on December 19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

A close look at Santiago Castro’s specific attributes reveals how he fits Unai Emery’s system. Emery demands high-intensity pressing and versatile movement from his strikers. Ollie Watkins exemplifies these traits perfectly. Meanwhile, the Englishman was also linked with a move to Manchester United in the previous summer transfer window.

Castro shares this energetic profile. He often harasses defenders and makes relentless runs into the channels. This suggests the Argentine would adapt quickly to Villa’s tactical demands. On top of that, the striker’s physical strength allows him to hold off defenders and link play. This is a crucial requirement for a lone striker in the formation in the Premier League.

That said, the youngster’s recent lean patch highlights a potential weakness in consistency. Castro started the season with five goal contributions in nine league games. Still, maintaining that output over a full English campaign presents a different challenge.

Tactically, Castro differs slightly from Watkins. The Bologna centre-forward operates more effectively as a traditional number nine who occupies the box. In contrast, Watkins frequently drifts wide. This difference could actually benefit Villa. It offers Emery a distinct option against low-block defences that require a physical presence in the penalty area.

Regarding Villa’s chances of winning this race, the club holds a genuine advantage. This stems from their long-term scouting investment. Chelsea often outspend rivals, but Villa’s project under Emery offers a smooth pathway to regular first-team football.

So, Santiago Castro represents a shrewd acquisition for the Midlands club. He would provide essential cover now and a promising future option to lead the line.