Arsenal‘s interest in Bologna striker Santiago Castro, once dubbed the “mini Lautaro Martinez”, shows no sign of fading with the summer transfer window approaching.
The 21-year-old has built a strong reputation in Europe with the Rossoblu, contributing 21 goals and 12 assists in 93 appearances in all competitions for Bologna since January 2024. In the 2025-26 season, the Argentine has been involved in a goal every three games on average, with 13 contributions in 39 matches — 10 goals and three assists.
Chelsea sent scouts to watch the Argentine ahead of the January window, but the Blues ultimately did not follow up at the start of the year. Earlier last year, Castro had already been linked with Arsenal, with the Gunners preparing to open preliminary discussions over the signing of the 2004-born forward, nicknamed the “mini Lautaro Martinez.”
Castro making his mark in Europe
While Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta have been tracking the striker for some time, Arsenal's interest is said to have become “real” when Castro began to stand out — particularly in the Europa League. Those discussions did not lead to anything concrete. However, according to Brazilian outlet RTI Esporte, the Premier League leaders continue to keep tabs on Castro and now find themselves facing competition from an unexpected rival.
Brazilian club Flamengo attempted to steal a march on Arsenal in this pursuit, engaging in talks that reportedly lasted “several weeks”, but the South American giants have now hit a significant obstacle. Bologna are understood to be demanding £34m for their 21-year-old striker — a sum well beyond Flamengo's reach.
A club of Arsenal's stature would have far less difficulty investing such an amount, should they deem it worthwhile. Bologna, for their part, would not be opposed to letting Castro leave if the price is right, despite his contract running until the end of the 2029-30 season.
Do Arsenal really need Santiago Castro?
Arteta already has Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus competing for the centre-forward role, and a move for Castro would only make sense if one of the three were to depart. Jesus appears the most likely candidate to leave, though the Brazilian has publicly stated his intention to honour his contract until 2027 at the very least, without ruling out an extension.
Unless there is a departure in that position — whether Jesus or someone else — Berta should be focusing his efforts on Arsenal's two most pressing priorities for the 2026-27 season: a top-class left winger and a promising midfielder. It promises to be a busy summer at the Emirates.
