Report: Chelsea are in the race to sign Serie A forward | OneFootball

Chelsea Tracking Santiago Castro as Premier League Interest Intensifies

Santiago Castro, Bologna’s 21 year old forward, has become the latest name to attract sustained attention, with Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa all reported to be monitoring his progress.

As Sport Witness summarise from Gazzetta dello Sport, earlier reports had already linked Nottingham Forest to Castro, with TuttoMercatoWeb placing his valuation between €40m and €50m. Now, Chelsea and Aston Villa have entered the frame, turning what felt like tentative interest into a more tangible pursuit.

The numbers alone explain the curiosity. Castro has scored five goals and added one assist across 21 appearances this season. It is not an explosive return, but context matters. Bologna remain competitive, Castro is still developing, and Premier League recruitment departments increasingly value profile, movement and adaptability alongside raw output.

Premier League Eyes on Bologna Talent

Sport Witness note that Nottingham Forest’s interest has progressed to direct scouting, with a club representative sent to Italy to follow the Argentine closely. More significantly, they report, “Chelsea and Aston Villa’s officials have also travelled to Italy to take a closer look at Castro”, a line that underlines the seriousness of the attention.

Aston Villa’s interest appears longer standing. According to the same report, the Midlands club have been tracking Castro for two years, suggesting a deeper analytical belief in his trajectory rather than a short term reaction to form. For Chelsea, this fits a broader pattern of identifying young forwards who can be developed within a long term squad build.

Despite scoring only once in the past month, Castro’s dip has not cooled enthusiasm. That resilience in interest suggests clubs see his value in pressing, link play and physical presence rather than judging him solely on short term numbers.

Photo: IMAGO

Bologna Move to Protect Key Asset

Bologna are well aware of the risk. Sport Witness describe the situation as one of “Premier League danger”, with three English clubs capable of outmuscling Serie A sides financially. The response has been swift.

Castro’s current deal runs until 2028, but Bologna want to act now. Their proposal is clear. An extension until 2029, an option for a further year, and an improved salary worth €800k per year plus €400k in bonuses. Talks have already taken place, with Sport Witness reporting that Bologna met Castro’s entourage yesterday to lay the groundwork.

The intention is to reach an agreement by January, strengthening Bologna’s negotiating position and discouraging opportunistic moves. However, as the article points out, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea and Aston Villa would have little difficulty matching those financial terms. The challenge lies in convincing Castro that his development is best served by a Premier League move, either immediately or next summer.

Chelsea Perspective on Castro Profile

For Chelsea, this report aligns with a recruitment strategy that blends potential with resale value. Castro’s age, contract situation and Serie A education tick familiar boxes. The club’s willingness to send officials to Italy suggests more than casual monitoring.

Whether Chelsea choose to accelerate interest will depend on squad planning, outgoing movement and how strongly they believe Castro can translate his game to the Premier League. What is clear is that Bologna’s efforts to secure his future reflect how exposed Italian clubs remain when English money and ambition converge.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Chelsea supporters, this report feels both familiar and cautiously encouraging. Familiar because Chelsea have consistently been linked with young forwards across Europe, and cautious because fans have learned that monitoring does not always mean moving.

Castro fits the profile Chelsea have targeted since their squad reset. Young, physically capable, tactically flexible, and still malleable. At 21, he offers upside without the immediate pressure of being a finished product. Supporters will note that five goals in 21 games is respectable rather than spectacular, but context matters. Serie A remains demanding, and Bologna are not built around feeding a single striker.

What stands out is Chelsea’s willingness to do in person scouting. When reports state that “Chelsea and Aston Villa’s officials have also travelled to Italy to take a closer look at Castro”, it signals intent rather than algorithm driven interest. Chelsea fans will welcome that balance between data and eyes on the ground.

There will be questions. Does Castro raise the level immediately, or does he add to a crowded group of developing attackers. Can Chelsea offer a clearer pathway than rivals. Those answers will shape supporter sentiment.

Ultimately, this feels like a sensible watch rather than a cause for excitement or frustration. If Chelsea move, fans will expect clarity of role and patience in development. If they do not, it reinforces a more disciplined approach to recruitment, which many at Stamford Bridge are increasingly willing to accept.