Arteta Pushes for Arsenal’s £26m Striker Target: A New Sanchez?

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly taking a personal interest in Bologna striker Santiago Castro as a potential summer signing. The 20-year-old Argentine forward has caught Arteta’s eye with his performances in Serie A this season, scoring 8 goals and providing 4 assists in 29 appearances.

Valued at around £26 million, Castro is seen as a promising young talent who could make an immediate impact at the Emirates. His ability to play across the forward line and link up play has drawn comparisons to former Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez.

Like Sanchez, Castro began his career in South America before moving to Italy to develop his game. The Bologna striker ranks in the top 10% of forwards in Europe’s top leagues for pass completion, highlighting his technical ability.

While Arsenal have been linked with more established names like Alexander Isak, Castro represents a potentially shrewd investment in a rising talent. Arteta appears to view the Argentine as someone who could boost Arsenal’s attacking options next season as they look to challenge for the Premier League title.

With 20 goal contributions in 46 games since joining Bologna in January 2024, Castro has already shown his potential to be a difference-maker in a top European league. If he can replicate that form in England, he could prove to be Arsenal’s next South American star in the mold of Alexis Sanchez.