Chelsea’s pursuit of an attacking midfielder for 2026 has turned a fresh page with their enquiry for Nico Paz, the Como sensation who continues to command admiration across the continent. TBR Football’s report that Chelsea have asked about the 21-year-old builds on a growing narrative around one of Europe’s most technically expressive young creators. The challenge for Chelsea is that Real Madrid appear immovable in their intentions, and Paz himself has made his preferences abundantly clear.
Rising Value of Nico Paz
Paz’s progress at Como under Cesc Fabregas has been dramatic. With eight goal contributions in ten Serie A games this season, his influence has been described as nothing short of sensational. TBR’s article notes that “this season alone has arguably been Serie A’s standout player with eight goal contributions from his 10 games”, a statistic that has set off alarm bells within scouting departments across Europe.
One recruitment source shared the view that Paz’s physical maturity, tempo control and willingness to play between pressure lines have made him the most advanced young midfielder in Italy. A figure close to negotiations said, “Clubs know he is ready for a top five environment, but Real hold almost every card.”
Photo: IMAGO
Real Madrid’s Stance and Player Intent
Despite Tottenham’s attempt to bring Paz to London in the summer, the presence of a £40 million buy back clause left that move feeling like what TBR Football described as “a glorified loan”. Chelsea have now received a similar message.
Graeme Bailey’s confirmation strengthens the picture of a closed door for Premier League clubs at this stage. He said, “Nico Paz is standing firm. Real have told him he is coming back, and he believes he is going to be a key player for them in the near future.”
Sources close to the player believe that the emotional pull of the Bernabeu is too strong to ignore, particularly as he has only featured minimally for Madrid’s first team. One insider suggested, “Paz feels unfinished business in Madrid, he wants to go back as someone who has proved his level.”
Chelsea’s Midfield Strategy for 2026
Enzo Maresca’s long term structure relies on multifunctional attacking profiles. The club are working on multiple options, including Morgan Rogers, who remains an active target. TBR remind us that “Chelsea have been watching Paz, and they have been hugely impressed”, a sentiment echoed by recruitment staff who admire his blend of flair and tactical discipline.
However, the market reality appears unchanged. As Bailey stated, “the message back was that he has his heart set on Real.” Whether this stance shifts will likely depend on Real Madrid’s squad evolution, and on Paz’s ability to transfer his Serie A form into consistent elite level output.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Chelsea supporter’s perspective, this situation feels equal parts tantalising and predictable. Nico Paz fits the type of attacking fulcrum that Enzo Maresca favours, someone comfortable receiving under pressure, linking with the forwards and carrying possession with intent. Watching how Maresca has reshaped Chelsea across his first two seasons, it is easy to see why the club made the enquiry. He wants technicians with clarity of decision making and the courage to dominate matches. Paz ticks all of these boxes.
The frustration lies in Chelsea once again identifying a profile early, only to be reminded that the player’s existing pathway is too strong to disrupt. Real Madrid have always been proactive in protecting their high ceiling talents and this is another example. A Chelsea fan reading this report might feel that the club are fishing in the right waters but are encountering the same barriers that Spurs already hit.
There is still optimism to take from this, especially with the continued interest in Morgan Rogers and the broader attacking midfield shortlist. Chelsea under Maresca are no longer scrambling for solutions, they are targeting players with long term system value. Paz may be out of reach for now, but the ambition in the club’s recruitment is clear and it suggests that Chelsea intend to remain aggressive in the market when the right opportunity emerges.