Aston Villa could hit transfer jackpot with Santiago Castro as details shared on Boxing Day talks
Aston Villa have been credited with an interest in Bologna striker Santiago Castro.
With his team firmly in the Premier League title race this season, a successful winter of shopping could ensure they take the fight all the way to the final round.
It may well prove to be equally, if not more important, for Aston Villa to retain the star players they have this winter, as Emery is short on options in some key areas of the pitch.
Emi Martinez could be on his way out of Villa Park, whilst Manchester United have been urged to sign Morgan Rogers if Bruno Fernandes leaves Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have been linked with a move for Pau Torres, but the Catalans may prefer a move for Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi instead.
Santiago Castro emerges on Aston Villa transfer radar
One department that Emery may look to improve his Aston Villa squad in is at the centre-forward spot.
Ollie Watkins and Donyell Malen have been struggling for goals in the Premier League so far this season, and with the former turning 30 on 30 December, Villa may soon need to find the player who can spearhead their attack for the future.
As per a report from Gazzetta dello Sport, Bologna starlet Castro may be their man.
It's reported that Nottingham Forest, Chelsea and Aston Villa have all sent scouts to watch the 21-year-old in action, with Villa in particular understood to have been tracking him for the last two years.
The report also reveals that a Bologna Boxing Day transfer meeting took place, in which a plan was formulated to extend Castro's contract until 2023, as he's currently contracted with the Serie A outfit until 2028.
€800,000 euros plus bonuses is also stated as being the salary in which Castro would earn if he signs a new deal, doubling his current €400k deal, but it's suggested that there may not be a massive rush on Bologna's end to extend his contract given how much time is left on his current one.
Castro could be a superb signing for Aston Villa
It's clear that Aston Villa have at least one eye on the long-term future of their forward line.
Castro is an ascending young talent, who is already established himself as a vitally important starting player at Bologna, and made 46 appearances in all competitions for them last season.
With four goals and one assist in 13 Serie A outings so far this term, he's once again showing his worth and quality in the goal contribution department, and is surely on the verge of breaking into Argentina's senior international side.
- Castro scored 10 goals and registered seven assists in all competitions last season
- He signed for Bologna from Argentinian outfit Velez Sarsfield in January 2024
- Castro is averaging 0.41 goals per 90 in Serie A this term - per FotMob
So, there are plenty of signs to suggest he will be starring on some of football's biggest stages for many years to come, and whilst he won't come cheap, Aston Villa may just be able to bag a relative bargain on him if they move quickly in January.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Aston Villa news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @villanews247