Nottingham Forest could launch a 2026 move to sign an “instinctive finisher” likened to Carlos Tevez, but they may have to shell out a club-record fee to get a deal done.

Forest eyeing new striker amid Arnaud Kalimuendo uncertainty

Despite only moving to the City Ground during the summer, Arnaud Kalimuendo’s future is already in doubt, with it recently being revealed the striker wants to leave, and AC Milan have now made contact over a deal.

Paris FC, Stuttgart and AS Roma have also been named as potential suitors for the striker, who hasn’t made the best of starts to life in the Premier League, failing to find the back of the net in his opening seven matches.

Igor Jesus hasn’t exactly been prolific in front of goal either, scoring just once in 14 Premier League outings, while Chris Wood may be in the latter stages of his career at 34, and the New Zealander has been struggling on the injury front, not featuring since the 3-0 defeat against Chelsea in October.

Consequently, Sean Dyche may be eager to bring in a new striker next year, and a report from Tuttosport (via FC Inter News) has now revealed that Nottingham Forest have now joined the race for Bologna centre-forward Santiago Castro.

Aston Villa are also interested in signing Castro, courtesy of his performances in Italy this season, and both English clubs could launch a move next summer, with the Serie A side potentially set to hold out for a fee of around €40m – €50m (£35m – £44m).

Inter Milan have shown interest in the striker too, but Bologna are reluctant to sanction a departure, and will look to secure his future by offering him a bumper new contract in the coming weeks.

"Instinctive finisher" Castro likened to Tevez

Scout Ben Mattinson has spoken very highly of the 21-year-old in the past, comparing him to former Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez, while also describing the youngster as an “instinctive finisher” and adding: “His movement, acceleration and athleticism enables him to lead the line and be a constant threat to a defence. Loves to run in behind but also drop deep or interchange. A complete #9 profile.”

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The Argentinian has regularly been amongst the goals this season too, scoring five in 17 matches in all competitions, and he recently headed home a late winner to ensure Bologna progressed past Parma in the Italian Cup.

With none of Dyche’s current strikers setting the world alight, particularly Kalimuendo, it would be ideal to bring in a new option in 2026, and Castro is at the right age to be a long-term success at the City Ground, but £44m would be a club-record transfer fee.