Report: Nottingham Forest considering move to sign £35m Serie A forward | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest Pursue 2026 Striker Reinforcement Amid Castro Links

Nottingham Forest’s long term squad planning under Sean Dyche looks set to accelerate, with Football Fancast detailing fresh interest in a centre forward who could reshape the club’s attacking identity. The report highlights that Forest have joined the chase for Bologna striker Santiago Castro, a player described as an “instinctive finisher” and even compared to Carlos Tevez. For a club searching for reliability in front of goal, the profile carries obvious appeal.

Castro’s Rising Reputation

Italian outlets, relayed by Football Fancast, state that Bologna would demand between €40m and €50m, roughly £35m to £44m, a fee that would break Forest’s current transfer record. Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Serie A clubs have already monitored the 21 year old, while Aston Villa and Inter Milan are also mentioned as active admirers.

Forest fans will be intrigued by the words of scout Ben Mattinson, who praised the Argentine’s completeness, explaining: “His movement, acceleration and athleticism enables him to lead the line and be a constant threat to a defence. Loves to run in behind but also drop deep or interchange. A complete #9 profile.” He previously compared Castro to Tevez, reinforcing the impression of a forward who blends aggression with guile.

Photo: IMAGO

Given Castro has scored five goals in 17 appearances this season and recently delivered a late Coppa Italia winner against Parma, his upward curve remains steady rather than spectacular, yet the tools are clearly there.

Dyche’s Dilemma Up Front

Forest’s striker unit is at an uncomfortable crossroads. Football Fancast note that Arnaud Kalimuendo already wants to leave, with AC Milan among several clubs making contact. The original article states the former Rennes forward has “failed to find the back of the net in his opening seven matches.”

Igor Jesus has just one goal in 14 league outings, while Chris Wood, now 34, has not played since a 3-0 loss to Chelsea due to injury issues. None of the trio have cemented themselves as a long term solution, prompting Dyche to assess future recruitment more aggressively.

Judging the Value of a Club Record Deal

Paying £44m for a player with one full European season on his CV presents natural risk. However, Forest need a focal point who fits Dyche’s demands for physical presence, tireless running and penalty box timing. Castro’s profile appears aligned with these traits and the comparison to Tevez, even if premature, suggests a forward with edge and invention.

A source close to the South American market believes Castro carries huge development potential, adding: “If he adapts to the Premier League pace early, he could become one of the division’s most dynamic young strikers.”

Whether Forest move decisively in 2026 may depend on outgoing sales, Premier League survival and the progress of current forwards. Still, interest at this stage signals a clear recognition that the club require sharper firepower.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Forest fan perspective, this report prompts cautious excitement. Supporters have watched the striking options struggle for rhythm all season, and Dyche’s sides historically thrive when built around a relentless centre forward who never stops occupying defenders. Castro sounds like that mould, particularly with the praise surrounding his acceleration, movement and willingness to run in behind. Fans will also appreciate that he scores decisive goals, like the late header against Parma, which hints at personality as much as ability.

However, the £44m figure raises eyebrows. Forest have spent big before, but committing a club record fee places immense expectation on a player still learning his craft in Serie A. Dyche’s style also demands tactical discipline and physical durability, qualities that some imports adapt to only after a settling period.

Still, with Kalimuendo unsettled, Wood ageing and Igor Jesus producing sporadically, the need for a long term talisman is obvious. Castro’s comparison to Tevez, even if flattering, fuels imagination. If Forest can secure him without jeopardising squad balance, many fans would back the gamble, especially with 2026 feeling like a natural reset point for Dyche’s project.