Gasperini targets left winger as Roma step up attacking recruitment

Santiago Castro's potential arrival at Roma would place him in a storied line of Argentine forwards who have worn the giallorossi shirt. Arturo Chini Luduena, Roma's first foreign player in history, scored 61 goals in 180 appearances between 1927 and 1934. He was followed by Enrique Guaita, who netted 43 goals in 63 matches before departing alongside compatriots Stagnaro and Scopelli out of fear of conscription into the Italian army for the Ethiopian war. The bond between Roma and Argentina has remained strong, particularly among attackers. Argentine influence shaped Roma's first Scudetto, with Miguel Angel Pantò partnering alongside Amadei and Krieziu. In the all-time top scorers list, "Piedone" Manfredini ranks sixth with 104 goals in 164 games, contributing to the Coppa delle Fiere victory in 1960–61 and Coppa Italia success in 1963–64. Abel Balbo stands eighth with 82 goals in 182 appearances across the 1990s and early 2000s; after departing in 1998, he returned in 2000 alongside Gabriel Omar Batistuta. Batistuta made an immediate impact with 20 goals in a single season, helping Roma claim their third Serie A title, though age and injury limited his effectiveness thereafter. More recent Argentine figures include Caniggia, Perotti, Lamela and Osvaldo. Paulo Dybala arrived in summer 2022 following a contract renewal and has since recorded 139 appearances and 45 goals. If negotiations succeed, Castro will join the Argentine contingent at the club.

Roma are on the verge of closing their first official signing under the Friedkin Group's leadership, agreeing a deal with Bologna to bring striker Santiago Castro to the capital. The transfer is worth €30 million plus €5 million in bonuses. The 20-year-old Argentine, who will earn €2.2 million per season, turned down a higher offer from Fiorentina to join Roma's project. He will join the squad for the pre-season training camp in Wales after completing formalities. Castro's arrival directly addresses head coach Gian Piero Gasperini's request for a high-calibre forward to rotate with Donyell Malen throughout the season. The pursuit of alternative targets, including Tresoldi, had stalled due to prohibitive demands from Bruges. The transfer represents a significant offensive reinforcement as Roma reshape their attacking options. Following this deal, sporting director D'Amico must turn attention to other priorities, particularly sourcing elite wingers with Nusa and Moreira identified as main candidates, while also monitoring developments surrounding Manu Koné and contract negotiations with Lorenzo Pellegrini.

Roma are on the brink of securing Santiago Castro from Bologna as Gian Piero Gasperini's first attacking reinforcement. The deal is structured at approximately 30 million euros plus 5 million in bonuses, totalling 35 million euros. The Argentine striker has agreed to join on a contract worth 2 million euros per season plus bonuses, with Tony D'Amico finalising payment terms and resale percentages. Parallel negotiations with Bologna extend to Artem Dovbyk's future. The Ukrainian forward has opened to a move to the Emilia-Romagna club after speaking directly with Bologna manager Domenico Tedesco. Roma and Bologna are currently working to finalise the loan formula, with Roma pushing for an obligation to buy and Bologna preferring a right to buy. Both clubs aim to complete the arrangement before the squad departs for pre-season training in Wales.