Newcastle United will compete with Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Everton to sign 20-year-old Argentine striker Santiago Castro from Serie A club Bologna.
According to a report by Caught Offside, Santiago Castro is the subject of interest from Newcastle United. The Magpies are scouring the market for a striker amid uncertainties around the long-term future of Alexander Isak, with the Bologna attacker emerging as a target. However, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Everton are also keen on signing the Bologna forward, with the Serie A club demanding around €40 million to part ways with him.
Who is Santiago Castro?
Santiago Castro has been one of the best young prospects in Serie A since joining Bologna from Velez Sarsfield in January 2024. A native of Buenos Aires, the South American attacker spent his formative years in Argentina and graduated from the youth division at Velez Sarsfield.
The 20-year-old has not been as prolific as he would have liked this season, but he has a solid tally of five goals and six assists in 20 appearances across all competitions. However, Castro’s stock in the market remains high, with Premier League clubs like Arsenal, Aston Villa, Everton, and Newcastle United among his prospective suitors.
A man in demand
Arsenal will likely part ways with Gabriel Jesus next year, with the Brazilian international blowing hot and cold in the final third. So, Castro has emerged as a viable target for Arsenal. In addition, the Argentine youth international is on Aston Villa’s wishlist.
Jhon Duran has been excellent this season, while Ollie Watkins is one of the best strikers in the world. However, Duran’s long-term future at Aston Villa is uncertain amid his links with several top clubs. Meanwhile, Everton’s interest in Santiago Castro is understandable. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto might depart from Goodison Park next year, making Castro a viable target.
As for Newcastle United, the Magpies are in a spot of bother over the long-term future of Alexander Isak. In addition, Callum Wilson will likely depart from St. James’ Park next year. So, Castro is an option worth considering for Newcastle United. Meanwhile, the Bologna striker will not come cheap, with the Serie A club demanding around €40 million to sell him.
In addition, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Everton, and Newcastle United will face stiff competition from Inter Milan and Juventus for the Bologna striker. However, a potential deal worth €40 million will unlikely see the light of day until the 2025 summer transfer window.