Bologna have reached a full agreement to sign midfielder Mikel Amondarain from Estudiantes, overcoming late competition from Nottingham Forest. The Serie A club will pay a reported fee of €10 million for the 21-year-old Argentine after an initial €8 million bid was rejected.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that verbal agreements are now in place with both the Argentine club and the player. Amondarain is expected to travel to Italy this weekend to undergo medical examinations and finalise his contract.
Forest interest hastens deal
The negotiations had extended over several weeks despite Bologna identifying Amondarain as their primary midfield target. Nottingham Forest made a late approach to intercept the deal, according to reports, which spurred the Rossoblu into increasing their offer to secure the transfer.
Bologna director Claudio Fenucci acknowledged the situation earlier this week. “We are waiting for the response from Estudiantes,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “He is certainly our primary objective for the midfield, but not the only one.” During the protracted talks, the club had also evaluated alternatives including Racing Santander’s Gustavo Puerta.
Player background and next steps
Amondarain, 21, developed through the Estudiantes youth academy and joined the senior squad last year. He remains under contract with the La Plata club until December 2028, having established himself as a promising talent in the Argentine Primera División.
Estudiantes held a strong negotiating position throughout the discussions, with Amondarain tied to the club until December 2028. This long-term contract enabled the Argentine side to reject Bologna’s initial €8 million approach and hold out for improved terms.
The midfielder will join Bologna following successful medical tests scheduled for this weekend. The transfer represents a significant step in the young player’s career, moving from Argentine football to one of Europe’s top five leagues.