Santiago Castro set to join Roma, as Artem Dovbyk will move to Bologna on a loan deal

Roma are set to complete the signing of Santiago Castro from Bologna today, as he has landed in the capital for his medicals. Nico Schira is reporting that Roma will spend 35 million euros to complete the signing of Castro this summer. Bologna valued Castro at 40 million euros this summer, but Roma managed to sign him for less.

The Giallorossi pulled it off by including a sell-on clause worth 10% for Bologna in the deal. Castro comes into Roma to complete the search for a striker which has been going on in the capital since the hiring of Gian Piero Gasperini. Gasperini wanted to sign a striker as soon he was appointed to be manager of the Roma.

But, in his first mercato with the club they faltered, as Roma only managed to sign Evan Ferguson on loan. Ferguson was a flop for Roma, with his loan being terminated early in January as he scored on five goals in 22 games. His goal scoring record wasn’t his biggest issue, but he couldn’t fit in Gasperini’s playstyle.

Donyell Malen was signed on a loan to buy in January to replace Roma, and he hit the ground running. He was the answer for Gasperini as he light up Serie A scoring 14 league goals in 18 games. Malen was rewarded for his top form, by Roma buying him on a permanent deal from Aston Villa. This all but confirmed Artem Dovbyk exit from Roma.

Roma player Artem Dovbyk during a training session at Centro Sportivo Fulvio Bernardini on July 21, 2026 in Rome, Italy.

Dovbyk was in Rome the whole time that Gasperini was hired but he was very rarely used. Gasperini felt that he didn’t fit in within his play style since he arrived in the capital and wanted him sold. But, this was hard for Roma to do which forced Dovbyk to be an unused player for Gasperini for most of all season.

However, Roma have finally completed a deal to sell Dovbyk, as he will join Bologna. This will be on a deal that is a one-year loan with a 20 million buy option according to Orazio Accomando. Bologna have signed Dovbyk because they see him as a replacement for Castro. The sale of Castro was easier for Bologna once they agreed a deal to sign his replacement.