Chelsea send scouts to watch “top” 21-year-old striker who plays like a “true centre-forward”

Bologna's Santiago Castro. (REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini)

Chelsea’s season has been defined by inconsistency.

On their day, Enzo Maresca’s side have looked capable of beating anyone, with statement wins over Liverpool and Barcelona highlighting their potential.

Too often, though, those performances have been followed by frustrating defeats to teams like Leeds and Sunderland, underlining how far the project still has to go.

One recurring issue has been the lack of a natural focal point in attack.

Goals have been shared around the squad, but Chelsea continue to operate without a reliable, old-fashioned No.9. João Pedro leads the line with seven goals, Marc Guiu has chipped in when given opportunities, and Liam Delap has struggled for impact, leaving the Blues short of a consistent centre-forward presence.

With that in mind, Chelsea are now casting their net wider in search of a long-term solution.

Chelsea have entered the race to sign Bologna striker Santiago Castro, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The 21-year-old Argentine has caught the eye in Serie A with his all-round forward play and growing end product.

Castro has registered four goals and one assist from nine starts and five substitute appearances this season, adding to an overall Bologna return of 16 goals and 10 assists from 75 outings.

Comfortable across the front line, he is at his most effective operating centrally, where his movement, physicality and link-up play stand out.

Bologna head coach Vincenzo Italiano has been particularly vocal in his praise, describing Castro as a “top” young talent who plays like a “true centre-forward.” That profile is exactly what Chelsea’s recruitment team are targeting, and the Blues have already dispatched scouts to monitor his progress.

Castro’s form has not gone unnoticed at international level either, having earned call-ups to Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina squad, even if he is yet to make his senior debut. He remains under contract with Bologna until 2028, and the Italian club are keen to reward him with improved terms while holding out for a fee of at least £35 million.

Chelsea’s interest suggests they see Castro as a striker who could grow alongside their young squad and finally provide the natural No.9 they have been missing.

Whether they are willing to meet Bologna’s valuation — and fend off rival suitors — will determine if this pursuit becomes a serious January move or one for the longer term.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.