Castro officially joins Roma as ninth, welcomed by Soulé on social media

Santiago Castro has completed his transfer to AS Roma from Bologna on a permanent deal and will wear the number 9 shirt. The Argentine striker spent nearly three years at Bologna, where he helped the club secure Champions League qualification and win the Coppa Italia after 51 years. Castro posted a lengthy farewell message to Bologna supporters on social media, reflecting on his time at the club. He wrote: "Today, after nearly three years, the moment has come to say goodbye. I still remember when, at just 19 years old, I arrived in this splendid city that opened its doors to me, welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home. From that first day, I have lived unforgettable moments that I will treasure forever. From the historic and unforgettable qualification to the Champions League, achieved thanks to an extraordinary group of people, to the privilege of reaching glory by lifting that long-awaited trophy after 51 years. And, of course, our European adventure, where we left our mark and showed how far a team can go when it stays united." Castro quickly followed with a second message welcoming Roma supporters: "I am very happy for this new beginning with these colours! Now I will give my all for this city! Daje Roma!"

Santiago Castro has joined AS Roma as the club's first summer signing, arriving directly from Bologna. The Argentine forward has completed his medical examination and participated in a photoshoot and tour of Trigoria as he begins his new chapter in the Italian capital. Castro's arrival marks Roma's opening move in the summer transfer window, bringing fresh attacking reinforcement to the squad. The signing underscores the club's commitment to strengthening its offensive options ahead of the new season.

Santiago Castro has completed his move to AS Roma from Bologna. Matías Soulé, his Argentine compatriot and friend, welcomed the new striker on social media by reposting Castro's announcement with the caption: "Benvenuto, fratello!" (Welcome, brother!). The pair had previously signalled their rapport through social media interactions in recent weeks. Now they will have the opportunity to play together for Roma, beginning with the club's training camp in Wales. Castro will wear the number 9 shirt for the Giallorossi.

AC Milan have turned their attention to Matías Soulé as they search for a left-footed attacking winger following their failure to land Konstantinos Karetsas, who joined Borussia Dortmund. The Argentina winger, who joined Roma from Juventus, now tops Milan's shortlist after the club identified a left-footed attacking midfielder or winger as a priority. Soulé had previously rejected lucrative offers from Saudi clubs Al Ahli and Al Ittihad. Soulé's opportunities at Roma have narrowed significantly following Paulo Dybala's contract renewal and the recent arrival of Santiago Castro. Roma are keen to capitalise on his departure and have set his asking price at €40 million, seeking to generate substantial profit on the €26 million plus €4 million in add-ons they paid a year ago. Milan regard Soulé as a highly attractive prospect from a technical standpoint but are attempting to negotiate at lower figures than Roma's initial demands.

Santiago Castro's AS Roma career is officially underway following his arrival in Rome, where he was greeted by approximately 300 supporters at Termini station. The 2004-born Argentine has completed his medical examination and met with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini at Trigoria, also reconnecting with fellow countryman Matías Soulé and receiving a welcome from Paulo Dybala. Castro will inherit the number 9 shirt vacated by Artem Dovbyk and has signed through to 2031 on a net salary of 2 million euros per season. Roma invested 35 million euros plus bonus payments and retain 10 per cent of any future resale fee to Bologna for the acquisition. Gasperini gains a quick, technical striker suited to his tactical demands and capable of operating alongside Donyell Malen in either a 3-4-1-2 formation or with the Dutch winger deployed out wide. Castro arrives in full physical condition and will travel with the squad for their winter training camp in Wales, where he is expected to feature in the upcoming friendly against Cardiff to build match fitness.

AC Milan have identified Matías Soulé as a potential signing after missing out on Karetsas, who chose Borussia Dortmund instead. The Argentine winger fits Milan's tactical profile: a left-footed attacking midfielder or winger who operates from the right, works in tight spaces, and can cut inside or drift wide as needed. Soulé is available, with Roma valuing him at €40 million and actively seeking a buyer. Roma's pursuit of alternatives has intensified Soulé's departure prospects. The club recently renewed Paulo Dybala's contract and completed the signing of Castro, further constraining space in the squad. Saudi clubs Al Ahli and Al Ittihad tabled offers a month ago, but Soulé declined, uninterested in a move to the Middle East. He is now exploring alternative options. Roma, who paid €26 million plus €4 million in add-ons for Soulé, are keen to record a profit on the transfer. Milan view him as an attractive prospect, though they consider Roma's €40 million valuation steep and are exploring negotiations at lower figures.