Chelsea have had a topsy-turvy start to the 2025/26 season as they have lost some games and have had severe disciplinary issues but also shown promise with their last win over Liverpool in the Premier League before the international break.
The Blues have been one of the busiest clubs in Europe in signing and scouting young players and moving them around to and fro with their sister team Strasbourg.
This summer they signed Joao Pedro and Liam Delap to solve their issues in attack and while the Brazilian has had a great start to life for Chelsea, Delap suffered an injury and is currently out on the sidelines.
While Pedro has been excellent in a central role, he is not the most predominant centre-forward and with Delap out injured, Enzo Maresca is forced to use youngsters in Tyrique George and Marc Guiu, who are extremely raw for this level.
Therefore, Chelsea are scouting several young forwards who fit their system and their transfer policy and recently they have sent scouts to monitor Bologna youngster Santiago Castro as per Tutto Mercato.
Castro's recent performances have caught Maresca's attention who feels that the Argentine youngster could be Chelsea's long-term fix in the striker position.
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The 21-year-old established himself at native club Velez Sarsfield before moving to Bologna in January 2024 for a steal €13.2m transfer fee for a player of his calibre.
Why are Chelsea interested in the Bologna youngster Castro?
Castro has only netted a single goal and provided a solitary assist in five Serie A appearances for Bologna this season and yet several European clubs are assessing his progress.
There's a lot to like about the 21-year-old gameplay that just reading the stat sheet as he flourishes in link-up play, movement in the final third and overall technical ability.
Apart from Chelsea, Inter Milan and Saudi Pro League outfit Al Nassr have also sent scouts to watch the Argentine striker while several other clubs from England, Germany and Spain have also shown interest.
Meanwhile, Bologna are aware of the growing interest on the forward and they are in a strong position to negotiate given his current contract running until 2028.
They are reportedly ready to hear offers in the north of €50m ($59m) for the youngster mainly due to his growing stature and overall potential to achieve greatness in the coming years.
While Castro isn't the only striker that Chelsea are scouting at the moment but he could well be the cornerstone of a long-term project at Stamford Bridge.
Also given Maresca and the Chelsea hierarchy's weakness in signing Argentine players, make Castro a very tempting talent as they already have players such as Enzo Fernandez, Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Buonanotte and Aaron Anselmino (on loan at Dortmund).
Castro has been an influential figure at Bologna and played a crucial role in their Coppa Italia triumph last season and is already receiving senior callups for Argentina after flourishing at youth levels.
It remains to be seen if Chelsea make a move for the 21-year-old or not, but the striker surely has all the qualities needed to flourish in West London.
Chelsea news and related links
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- Chelsea confirm Cole Palmer injury layoff with return date revealed
- Chelsea’s January transfer plans revealed as Enzo Maresca's request set to be denied