Chelsea and Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing 21-year-old Argentine international Nico Paz from Serie A club Como 1907 next year.
According to a report by Graeme Bailey on TBR Football, Nico Paz is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a versatile playmaker next year. So, the 21-year-old Como 1907 creative genius has emerged as a target for the West London outfit.
The 2024/25 FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Europa Conference League winners have submitted an enquiry to discuss a possible move. However, Chelsea will face stiff competition from Real Madrid for the youngster’s signature, with the Merengues ready to exercise their buyback clause of £40 million to re-sign him.
The rise and rise of Nico Paz
Nico Paz has established himself as one of the best players in Serie A since joining Como 1907 from Real Madrid last year. The 21-year-old playmaking genius hit the ground running at the then-newly-promoted club and helped them secure an impressive top-half finish in Serie A in the 2024/25 season.
The Argentine international has continued from where he left off last season, amassing four goals and four assists in ten Serie A appearances this term. Meanwhile, the youngster’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Chelsea and Real Madrid are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
A man in demand
Chelsea’s interest in Nico Paz makes sense. While Enzo Fernandez and Joao Pedro have reprised the no. 10 role in Cole Palmer’s absence, the Como playmaker is an upgrade on the duo in that position. Additionally, the former Real Madrid wonderkid can be Palmer’s ideal foil in the final third, as the Englishman can play on the right flank. So, he is a viable target for Chelsea. They have also submitted an enquiry to secure his services next year.
As for Real Madrid, the Merengues have been desperate for more creativity and progression from the middle of the park since parting ways with Luka Modric, as Toni Kroos’s retirement has left a creative gap in the central areas. So, the Como talisman is an option worth considering for Real Madrid, as they have a buyback clause worth £40 million.
With Real Madrid ready to exercise the buyback clause to re-sign the 21-year-old Argentine international in a deal worth £40 million, Chelsea will face an uphill task to secure his services. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Nico Paz.
