Como’s Nico Paz has been one of the standout attackers in Europe this season, attracting interest from Chelsea and several other big clubs.
Last year, it was reported that Chelsea love Paz but Real Madrid are confident of beating the Premier League outfit to his signature.
Real Madrid have a buy-back clause that they can activate to re-sign Paz after selling him to Como in 2024.
Nicolas Paz of Argentina
Photo by Marcos Brindicci/Getty Images
Chelsea informed Nico Paz only has eyes for Real Madrid
Things become a little bit more complicated if Paz does not want to return to the Santiago Bernabeu, but that is not going to be a problem.
According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea enquired about Paz, only to be told that the player only wants to join Real Madrid this summer.
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Elsewhere, another CaughtOffside report claimed that Paz would have cost Chelsea and other interested suitors around £60m. Real Madrid will be paying significantly less because of their buy-back option.
The 21-year-old has really shone in Italy this term so could have been a great addition to Liam Rosenior’s squad.
Cole Palmer has struggled for form at times and has had injuries in the current campaign. Paz would have been an appropriate alternative to the England international.
Nico Paz’s stats under Cesc Fabregas this season
At Como, Paz is working under former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who is really getting the best out of the Argentina international.
Cesc Fabregas (L), head coach of Como 1907, hugs Nico Paz
Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images
In 29 Serie A appearances, Paz has scored 10 goals and provided six assists. It is a great return for a young footballer playing in one of Europe’s top leagues.
It is no surprise that Chelsea want him. Unfortunately for the Blues, though, Paz looks all set for a Real Madrid homecoming.
It means that Chelsea will have to look elsewhere if they want to sign another attacking midfielder in the next transfer window. They need one after Palmer’s injuries and inconsistency and the failed loan experiment of Facundo Buonanotte.
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