AC Milan and West Ham United are reportedly keen on signing 21-year-old Argentine striker Santiago Castro from Bologna in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, Santiago Castro is the subject of interest from AC Milan. The Serie A giants are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a striker in the summer transfer window. The Rossoneri recently scouted the 21-year-old centre-forward in a league game between Bologna and Lazio.
However, AC Milan will provide stiff competition to Premier League clubs for his signature, as West Ham United and Nottingham Forest are also keen on signing him from Bologna this summer. Meanwhile, the Serie A club will demand around €40 million to part ways with the South American attacker.
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. Born in Buenos Aires, the 21-year-old spent his formative years in Argentina and graduated from the youth division at Velez Sarsfield before moving to Europe two years ago.
Castro has not been as prolific as he would have liked this season, but he still has a solid tally of 11 goals and four assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. Meanwhile, the Argentine striker’s stock is high, with West Ham United and AC Milan among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
A man in demand
Santiago Castro has been on West Ham United’s wishlist for a long time. The continued interest is surprising, as the East London club signed Valentin Castellanos and Pablo in the winter transfer window. Additionally, recent reports have claimed that Callum Wilson will soon sign a new deal with West Ham. So, the Hammers should focus on reinforcing other areas of their squad instead of pursuing a striker.
As for AC Milan, the Serie A giants also have multiple strikers in their squad. However, a closer look reveals that Santiago Gimenez has failed to make his mark during his spell with the Rossoneri, and a summer departure is on the cards for the Mexican striker amid his links with Premier League clubs. So, AC Milan can replace Gimenez with Castro, with the Bologna centre-forward a viable target.
Apart from AC Milan and West Ham, Nottingham Forest will also pursue the 21-year-old Argentine striker in the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Bologna will demand around €40 million to part ways with Castro. The price tag is high considering the youngster’s output in the 2025/26 season, but he has a high ceiling, which may justify the valuation.