Bologna talent Castro viewed by Chelsea scouts | OneFootball

Chelsea have reportedly set their sights on Bologna centre-forward Santiago Castro, even sending scouts to view the player in action.

He only celebrated his 21st birthday a few weeks ago and is on the fringes of the senior Argentina squad, having already represented them at various youth levels.

According to Il Resto del Carlino newspaper, via Tuttomercatoweb, Chelsea sent representatives to watch Castro and are carefully monitoring his progress.

There are no formal proposals yet, but he is on the radar for Italian coach Enzo Maresca.

Castro interest levels are growing

epa12100654 Youssouf Fofana of Milan (L) and Santiago Castro of Bologna in action during the Italian Cup final soccer match between AC Milan and Bologna FC in Rome, Italy, 14 May 2025. EPA-EFE/FEDERICO PROIETTI

Bologna are well aware of the growing interest in the striker, who had already been targeted by Inter and Simone Inzaghi’s new club Al-Nassr over the summer.

He was purchased for €13.2m from Velez Sarsfield in January 2024 and his current contract runs to June 2028.

So far this season, Castro has contributed one goal and one assist in five Serie A appearances.

His value on the transfer market would be at least €45-50m if Bologna were to consider a sale.