Arsenal and Chelsea are continuing to monitor the progress of Como defender Jacobo Ramón, who has reportedly indicated he is unwilling to return to Real Madrid next summer. The 21-year-old, who moved to the Serie A club in July 2025, has become a key fixture under the management of Cesc Fàbregas, with his performances alerting top-tier clubs in the Premier League. According to reporting in Diario AS, the Spanish centre-back has communicated a clear stance against an immediate return to the Bernabéu, complicating the buy-back mechanism currently held by the reigning Spanish champions.
While Real Madrid retain an option to re-sign the defender for approximately €9 million in the summer of 2027, the club’s ability to execute this clause depends on the player's agreement. Ramón, who has established himself in Italian football, has publicly stated his commitment to his current environment, describing his development under Fàbregas as a critical factor in his career trajectory. This situation has left Arsenal and Chelsea, who are understood to be tracking the Spain Under-21 international, positioned to evaluate the viability of a long-term approach if the player maintains his refusal to rejoin his former club.
Ramón prioritises continuity at Como
The defender’s reluctance to return to Madrid stems from a desire for consistent senior football, a demand he has met while playing for Como. Since his arrival from the Spanish capital, he has been a consistent presence in a defensive line that helped secure historic Champions League qualification for the Italian side last season. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport in May, Ramón was definitive regarding his immediate future, stating: "I see myself here."
His development under Fàbregas is frequently cited in reports as a key driver of his current form. Beyond the tactical instruction, Ramón has credited the head coach with cultivating a cohesive squad dynamic. This stability stands in contrast to the high-pressure environment of the Real Madrid first team, where the competition for central defensive positions remains intense. Consequently, Ramón has focused his efforts on continuing his progression in Serie A, effectively placing Real Madrid’s pre-negotiated buy-back option in a state of uncertainty as the 2027 window approaches.
Premier League interest and transfer mechanisms
The current contractual agreement between Como and Real Madrid involves a complex structure, including a 50% economic rights clause for the Spanish club. This arrangement mirrors the deal previously used for Nico Paz, where Real Madrid maintained significant financial influence while the player pursued career growth in Italy. While this structure ensures Real Madrid remains a stakeholder in any future transaction, it does not mandate the player's return, leaving a potential path open for interested Premier League parties.
Arsenal and Chelsea’s monitoring of the situation follows a summer window where both clubs were active in bolstering their defensive ranks—Arsenal secured Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa for a fee reported by BBC Sport as €59.6 million, while Chelsea added Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace for €60.7 million. Despite these arrivals, both clubs are understood to have kept the 21-year-old on their radar due to his high potential and specific profile as a ball-playing central defender. Although there has been no formal contact with Como, reports indicate that both Premier League outfits are waiting to see if the player's stance on a return to Madrid holds, potentially providing a window to negotiate a permanent transfer in the coming summer windows.
