Arsenal are tracking the progress of Como midfielder Nico Paz, though the north London club faces significant contractual hurdles should they attempt to formalise their interest. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has emerged as a standout candidate to lead the next generation of Argentine talent, following a dominant display in the national team's 4-0 victory over Bolivia on 1 October 2026. According to reports in Diario AS, Paz produced a goal and an assist during the match, leading observers to label him a successor to Lionel Messi in the Argentina setup.
The Real Madrid Complication
While interest from the Premier League has been noted—with BBC Sport confirming that Arsenal maintained an interest in the player throughout the summer window—any move for Paz remains heavily dictated by Real Madrid. The Spanish giants sold the playmaker to Como in 2024 but renegotiated the terms in June 2026. As part of a deal that saw the Serie A club pay €60m for full ownership, Real Madrid secured a unilateral €80m buy-back clause which becomes exercisable in the summer of 2027.
This arrangement effectively grants Real Madrid first-refusal rights on the player, meaning any potential buyer must navigate the Spanish club's priority status. Sources suggest that should Arsenal or another elite suitor submit a concrete bid, the Santiago Bernabéu hierarchy would have the authority to trigger their clause first, forcing them to decide whether to integrate the midfielder into their own squad or potentially facilitate a move elsewhere themselves.
Tactical Development in Italy
Paz has thrived under the tutelage of Cesc Fàbregas at Como, where he has been deployed as a central number 10. His evolution has been marked by a consistent increase in attacking output; having recorded six goals and nine assists in his debut season, he improved to 12 goals and six assists in the 2025/26 campaign. His form has helped propel the club into the Champions League, further raising his profile within the European market.
Despite the speculation, the midfielder remains under contract at the Italian club until June 2028. Following the June 2026 agreement, it was confirmed that Paz specifically requested to stay at Como to continue his development under Fàbregas. Arsenal’s scouts are expected to continue monitoring his performances throughout the winter, with the club weighing up whether the logistical and financial complexities of the buy-back mechanism justify a formal approach in the January 2027 transfer window.
