Chelsea had a representative in the stands to watch Bologna’s game against Pisa last week, according to reports in Italy.
Quotidiano Sportivo claim that the Blues’ ‘senior scout’ Claudio Damiani was present to see Santiago Castro.
Unfortunately, the 21-year-old did not get off the bench during Bologna’s 4-0 win, but he is a player who Enzo Maresca’s side are keeping close tabs on.
Castro is regarded as one of the most promising young strikers in European football, having scored 10 goals in all competitions last season.
He has struggled to replicate that form so far this campaign, with just 1 goal in 7 appearances but Bologna rate him very highly.
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Castro won’t be available on the cheap
Quotidiano Sportivo believe that the Argentinian’s asking price has been set between €50m (£43m) and €70m (£61m), which is a sizeable figure for a forward who has yet to find the back of the net on a consistent basis in senior football.
Chelsea would, of course, be hoping to negotiate down the fee significantly if they do choose to go ahead with a formal bid in a future transfer window.
A replacement for Jackson is needed
At the moment, the Blues have one out-and-out striker in Liam Delap, who is injured, with Joao Pedro having to play most of his minutes as a No.9.
Marc Guiu is also available to Maresca, but he was only recalled from his loan spell at Sunderland after Nicolas Jackson left for Bayern Munich.
The Spaniard has barely featured since his return to Stamford Bridge so it stands to reason that Maresca would want another striker in an ideal world. Castro is definitely among the candidates but his lack of experience (and goals) could well count against him, especially with the valuation set.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here