How Inter could lower Bologna’s asking price for Castro | OneFootball

Inter are still hoping to secure a deal for Bologna striker Santiago Castro in the future, considered a long-term heir to Lautaro Martinez’s throne in San Siro, and could potentially have a trick up their sleeve when it comes to lowering the current asking price.

After an exciting first year in Italy, having joined Bologna from Velez Sarsfield in January of 2024, Castro is already becoming an attractive option to Champions League-level clubs.

Inter are particularly interested in securing a deal for Castro, who has eight goals and five assists to his name so far in Serie A this season. Already dubbed ‘Lautarito’ for his similarities to the current Inter captain, the 20-year-old is seen as a natural long-term replacement for Martinez.

How Inter could secure Castro deal with Bologna

Santiago Castro of Bologna celebrates scoring his team’s fourth goal during the Coppa Italia match between Bologna FC and AC Monza at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 03, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Though Simone Inzaghi’s side has several targets ahead of the summer transfer window, including fellow Argentina international Nico Paz, the signing of Castro has become a priority as well, as there are fears that his price tag will only continue to grow over the next few years.

Inter had reportedly budgeted around €30m for the signing of Castro, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, but Bologna are already likely to request a fee in the region of €40m, which could increase further if the 20-year-old continues to improve on his current trajectory.

The club has two cards to play which could prove beneficial in negotiations.

The first is vice-President Javier Zanetti, who will play a key role in discussions with Castro and his entourage.

TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 15: Javier Zanetti attends a meeting at Casa Tennis during the Nitto ATP Finals 2023 on November 15, 2023 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Giorgio Perottino/Getty Images for Citta Di Torino)

A 145-time Argentina international, Zanetti is an important figure in the Nerazzurri camp, especially when it comes to convincing players from his homeland. Zanetti is also at the centre of talks for Como’s Nico Paz.

Secondly, there are hopes that the current Nerazzurri buy-back option for current Bologna midfielder Giovanni Fabbian could be an advantage in discussions for Castro.

Fabbian joined Bologna from Inter for a fee of €5m, with the Nerazzurri retaining a €12m buy-back option in the summer of 2023. La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Inter could look to renegotiate or possibly remove their buy-back option in order to secure a discount for Castro.