On the final matchday of the league, when AC Milan beat Torino FC 3–2 at San Siro, the Rossoneri welcomed back onto the pitch, for the closing minutes, Santiago Giménez, the Mexican striker who had been out injured since late October.
The future of the former Feyenoord player will be decided over these final two months: he seems destined to leave, unless he finishes the season with a strong run of goals. The Rossoneri club is already working to identify their striker of the future, and the choice could fall on a namesake, Argentinian forward Santiago Castro from Bologna FC.
Growth
Castro, born in 2004, is now in his second and a half season with Bologna and is going through a period of steady development. The numbers confirm it, as highlighted this morning by Corriere dello Sport: in his first six months he started behind Joshua Zirkzee, who was expected to leave in the summer; last season he scored 8 goals as a starter and gained valuable experience in the UEFA Champions League; this year, across the league, domestic cups, and the UEFA Europa League, he has already reached 11 goals.
Despite not having an imposing physique, he is a typical Argentine center-forward who brings a lot of grit and commitment on the field. He already knows the league and has European experience: Milan believe he is ready for the next step.
40 million euros:
At the moment, there is nothing concrete (no negotiations yet) just the Rossoneri club having placed his name at the top of their list. Bologna, who have invested heavily in the player and given him plenty of playing time in recent seasons, have no intention of selling Castro unless a significant offer arrives. According to estimates from Corriere dello Sport, that would be no less than €40 million.
There will be time to think about it. In the meantime, Milan continue their scouting, and Castro fits perfectly within their criteria: young and determined, with the mentality of a classic player suited to Massimiliano Allegri. The coach also appreciates his willingness to press high and contribute defensively. In terms of tactical characteristics, he might be more suited to a 3-5-2 system rather than a 4-3-3, but those are evaluations that, if necessary, will be made later on.
