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Enzo Maresca | Getty Images
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has the opportunity to bolster his squad in the January transfer window
Chelsea were beaten 2-1 at home by Aston Villa on Saturday night. Joao Pedro scored their goal in the first-half against Unai Emery’s men at Stamford Bridge. However, the visitors fought back after the interval with two goals by Ollie Watkins.
Enzo Maresca’s side are back in action on Tuesday evening with another clash on their own patch against AFC Bournemouth as they look to bounce back. They then kick-start 2026 with a tricky away trip to the Etihad Stadium on 4th January to play Manchester City. The London outfit are three points behind Liverpool in 4th.
Chelsea interested in Bologna ace Santiago Castro
According to Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Chelsea are interested in a move for Bologna star Santiago Castro ahead of the January transfer window. The report adds that his current club want up to £44million for his signature this winter. Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have also been mentioned as potential suitors.
Castro, 21, is under contract in Italy until 2028 meaning he still has a few years left to run down on his deal. He operates as a centre forward and can play on either flank as well if needed. He has made 21 appearances in all competitions this season, 13 of which have come in Serie A, and he has chipped in with five goals and one assist.
The Argentina youth international rose up through the academy at Velez Sarsfield. He was a regular at various different youth levels for his former team before breaking into their first-team as a teenager. The Buenos Aires-born man scored nine goals in 65 outings before he was lured over to Europe.
Castro has since become one of Bologna’s most prized assets and they are poised to face a battle to keep hold of him down the line amid attention from elsewhere. He found the net on 10 occasions last term. Chelsea could see him as someone to bolster their attacking department.
What now for Chelsea after Aston Villa loss?
Chelsea will be disappointed that they weren’t able to get anything from their match against Aston Villa. They dominated the first half but weren’t able to add to their lead. Watkins then punished them in the second half and they weren’t able to find an equaliser.
Speaking afterwards, Maresca said: “I think the goal we conceded for sure changed the dynamic of the game. I don't know if it's the three changes, but for sure, until the goal we conceded, we were in control. I think by the time we conceded the first goal, we should have scored two or three goals. And then after the goal we conceded, the game completely changed.
“For sure, we have to be clinical because, again, as I said, by the time they scored the goal, I think we should have scored two or three goals and the game is different. But also, it's probably how we can improve after we concede a goal to manage the game a little bit better, probably, in terms of game after game experience, these kind of things.”
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