Nico Paz Martínez To Chelsea: What We Know
Chelsea are monitoring Nico Paz, but any move is complicated by Real Madrid’s €80 million buy-back option valid for the 2027–2028 season.
Verified Status: Reported Scouting Interest
Chelsea have been identified as one of several clubs currently tracking the development of Como midfielder Nico Paz, as reported by TuttoMercatoWeb. The 22-year-old Argentina international, who made a permanent switch to the Italian side in 2024, has been monitored by Chelsea scouts during both domestic and European fixtures.
Contractual Context
Following a 2026 contract renegotiation, Como retains 100% of the player's registration rights. However, the agreement with Real Madrid includes a specific, unilateral buy-back clause valued at €80 million, which the Spanish club may exercise during the 2027–2028 season. This clause does not apply to other clubs, meaning any team wishing to sign Paz before then would likely need to negotiate a fee significantly higher than the Real Madrid buy-back price, with valuations reportedly ranging between €100 million and €120 million.
Next Steps
As of October 2026, there are no formal bids or negotiations. The situation is expected to remain static until the summer 2027 window, at which point Real Madrid must decide whether to exercise their option. Chelsea’s potential pursuit would require overcoming both this contractual leverage and competition from other European sides. Xabi Alonso, who officially became Chelsea manager in July 2026, continues to oversee squad recruitment, though Paz's future remains heavily influenced by the player's development in Serie A under the guidance of Cesc Fàbregas.