Chelsea had to come from behind to rescue a point against Qarabag in the Champions League group phase on Wednesday night.
Enzo Maresca’s side had taken an early lead courtesy of youngster Estevao, but the hosts were quickly level in Baku as Leandro Andrade netted.
Marko Jankovic then put Qarabag in front before the break, but Alejandro Garnacho netted his first Champions League goal for the Blues shortly after the restart to level things up once again.
Neither side were able to find a winner in Baku, meaning Chelsea now sit 12th in the 36-team group phase table and will have to improve if they are to finish in the top eight and qualify automatically for the knockout stage of the competition.
Elsewhere, it has emerged that the West London outfit have now enquired about the availability of one of Serie A’s most impressive players.
As per TBR Football, Chelsea have asked about the availability of Como youngster Nico Paz, who has also attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
Paz has been in fine form this season (Photo: Sipa US/Alamy)
It is claimed that the Blues have made initial enquiries about Paz, 21, as they look to add a new attacking midfielder to Maresca’s squad.
Aston Villa and England star Morgan Rogers is said to be one of the Blues’ top targets, but they are also considering other options and have identified Paz as one of those.
The youngster joined Como from Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, but the Spanish side included several clauses in the deal.
In essence, the La Liga leaders are set to make use of one of the clauses to re-sign Paz next year.
The player himself is also said to be keen on the idea of a return to the Spanish capital, having made just eight senior appearances for Real before leaving the club last year.
Since moving to Italy, Paz has scored ten goals and provided 13 assists in 46 games for Cesc Fabregas’ side across all competitions, including a combined eight goals and assists in ten Serie A matches so far this term.
Liverpool and Manchester City are also said to have monitored the impressive young Argentine, who has six caps for his country.