Roma close on Bologna's Castro for €35m, Dovbyk targeted by Bologna, Rashford deemed too expensive
Quick summary
Roma are closing in on a €35m deal for Bologna striker Santiago Castro, while Bologna are eyeing Roma's Artem Dovbyk. Marcus Rashford's loan-to-buy terms are considered too expensive for Roma.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceRoma are reportedly closing on a €35m deal for Bologna striker Santiago Castro, with Artem Dovbyk likely going the other way on loan, as Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United wages rule him out.
The Giallorossi continue their desperate search for reinforcements in attack, having missed out on targets like Mason Greenwood, Crysencio Summerville and Nicolò Tresoldi.
Castro might finally be right for Roma BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 11: Santiago Castro of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Coppa Italia match between Bologna FC and SS Lazio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on February 11, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) According to Sky Sport Italia, Sportitalia and more , negotiations are at a very advanced stage between Roma and Bologna for Castro.
The asking price is €35m and it can be achieved including bonuses and a percentage of the future sale fee.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 19: Santiago Castro of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between AS Roma and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Olimpico on March 19, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) Personal terms should not be an issue for the Argentina international, who turns 22 in September and joined Bologna in January 2024 from Velez Sarsfield for €13.2m.
Able to play in a variety of forward roles, Castro’s versatility has drawn interest from Gian Piero Gasperini.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 04: Santiago Castro of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Coppa Italia Round of 16 match between Bologna FC and Parma Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 04, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) It is also widely reported that Dovbyk should go to Bologna on loan, an arrangement they would be more open to with the Rossoblu than with Genoa.
This would not be part of the Castro deal, but rather another matter being discussed between the two clubs.
Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano’s colleague Matteo Moretto noted that intermediaries had proposed Rashford to Roma after his loan spell at Barcelona.
However, the sheer cost of the salary he currently earns at Manchester United makes that practically impossible.
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What happened
Roma are advancing negotiations to sign Bologna forward Santiago Castro for around €35 million, with the 20-year-old Argentine having impressed in Serie A this season. In a potential swap dynamic, Bologna have set their sights on Roma striker Artem Dovbyk as they reshape their attack. Meanwhile, Roma have cooled on a deal for Marcus Rashford, with his loan-to-buy package from Manchester United deemed financially unfeasible. The moves signal significant attacking reshuffles for both Roma and Bologna ahead of the next transfer window.
Chance analysis
Castro's potential €35m move would represent a major attacking investment for Roma, reinforcing their frontline with a young, proven Serie A talent. Bologna targeting Dovbyk suggests they are preparing to reinvest proceeds and fill a creative void left by Castro's departure. Rashford being ruled out as too expensive narrows Roma's forward options, making Castro's acquisition more critical. From a prediction standpoint, Roma's attacking depth improves if Castro arrives, while Bologna's dynamics shift if Dovbyk joins.
Roma strengthen their attack with a €35m signing of Castro while potentially losing Dovbyk to Bologna; Rashford loan deal is off the table.
If Roma complete the Castro signing and sell Dovbyk, expect Roma's attack to be reconfigured around Castro while Bologna gain a new focal point in Dovbyk.