Chelsea’s pursuit of Nico Paz could see one Stamford Bridge star act as a secret weapon in tempting the Argentine youngster to West London.
Nico Paz came through Real Madrid’s ranks, but with just eight appearances for the first-team resulting in one goal in the Champions League, he left to seek first-team football at the age of 19.
His move to Italian side Como has been a resounding success. Six goals in 35 appearances last season saw him keep the Lombardy outfit in Serie A via a 10th-placed finish, and he’s kicked on this season with four goals in just 10 games.
[
Click to subscribe to the podcast ](https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheBackFour?sub_confirmation=1)
That has seen Chelsea interested in his services as they aim to offer him Premier League football, and their new star Alejandro Garnacho could be a secret weapon in tempting him to Stamford Bridge after a photo emerged of the two on Argentina duty.
SSC Napoli v Como 1907 - Serie A
Photo by Franco Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Sources: Nico Paz is on Chelsea’s radar ahead of a summer move
TBR Football can reveal that Chelsea are one of the clubs who have asked about Nico Paz, though former club Real Madrid are insistent that he will be on his way back to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Paz has also been a target for Tottenham amongst other Champions League sides, but his future is in the hands of Real Madrid, who own a buyback clause for his services.
The La Liga leaders have a clause in his contract where they can resign him for just €9million (£7.9million), and although Tottenham were willing to splash big on the Spain-born star, it would have been a glorified loan as Real Madrid would have insisted on a £40million buyback.
As a result, Chelsea have made enquiries for Paz given they are in the market for a new attacking midfielder to join their squad.
Competition Games Goal contributions
Premier League 98 27
Champions League 9 2
FA Cup 13 5
League Cup 11 9
They do have other targets, but Paz is one of those having hugely impressed the Blues, only furthering their interest.
Paz wants to prove himself at the Santiago Bernabeu and Chelsea have gathered a feeling that they are wasting their time.
However, he is one of Europe’s leading starlets and if Chelsea want to tempt him to London, they need to utilise Garnacho to convince him.
Alejandro Garnacho celebrates scoring for Chelsea v Sunderland - Premier League
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Alejandro Garnacho could be the deciding factor in telling Nico Paz to join Chelsea
A photo from 2023 has emerged of Garnacho posing with Paz on international duty, with Paz having made six caps for the South American nation, while Garnacho has made eight appearances on the big stage.
Garnacho already has 98 Premier League appearances at such a young age, and he’ll be expected to further that under Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge following his £40million move from Manchester United.
With attacking places out wide in mass competition, Garnacho firing on all cylinders could convince Paz to come and feature alongside his international teammate.
That would benefit both players, Chelsea, and Argentina – it may just be down to Garnacho to convince him.