Bologna are closing in on the signature of Estudiantes midfielder Mikel Amondarain in a deal worth approximately €9 million (£7.5m), according to reports from Corriere dello Sport, Tuttomercatoweb and Sportitalia.
The Serie A side initially submitted an €8m bid for the 21-year-old, which Estudiantes rejected as insufficient. However, negotiations have continued with both parties reportedly whittling down their differences, and Bologna are now prepared to meet the €9m asking price for the highly-rated creative midfielder.
Versatile Midfield Profile
Amondarain has emerged as one of the most promising products of the Estudiantes youth academy, having graduated to the senior squad last year. The midfielder has contributed four goals and three assists across 23 appearances this season, demonstrating his attacking threat from deep positions and his capacity to influence matches in the final third.
Considered a box-to-box player and a real talent in his homeland, Amondarain combines the ability to surge forward with the discipline to protect the defence when required. His tactical versatility makes him an attractive prospect for Bologna’s setup, as he can operate effectively in a three-man midfield, sit in front of the defence as a screening presence, or feature on the right wing. Though primarily deployed in central midfield, he previously played as a striker during his youth career, which contributes to his comfort in advanced positions.
Contract Situation and Next Steps
The 21-year-old remains contracted to Estudiantes until December 2028, having committed his long-term future to his boyhood club. This extended agreement provided the Argentine side with strong negotiating leverage, explaining their firm stance on the valuation following the rejection of Bologna’s opening offer.
Bologna’s persistence indicates a strong strategic intent to secure young South American talent capable of adapting to Serie A’s demanding tactical environment. Should the transfer be completed at the €9m mark, it would represent a significant investment in a player viewed as having substantial development potential and the physical attributes to compete in Italian football.
Neither club has officially confirmed the agreement, though sources close to the negotiations suggest the deal could be finalised in the coming days pending the completion of formal documentation and medical procedures. The transfer would bolster Bologna’s midfield options as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming domestic campaign.