Arsenal in Real Madrid battle for €50m wonderkid

Tom Weber

Updated: 29 Jan 2025 15:52 CST
3 min read

Arsenal have been keeping tabs on the development of Como youngster Nico Paz, according to Italian media.

The Argentine wonderkid has been one of the breakout performers of the current Serie A season. Paz has starred for Cesc Fabregas' promoted Como after joining from Real Madrid in the summer, scoring five goals and providing four assists so far.

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The 20-year-old was regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Los Blancos' youth set-up prior to his move, but first-team opportunities were hard to come by under Carlo Ancelotti.

However, Real Madrid made sure that they retained some control over Paz's future, including a buy-back clause in the deal, although the exact amount has not been disclosed. Some reports speak of a fee of €8 million that increases every season, while others claim it stands at €12m.

Como, meanwhile, have reportedly - and unsuccessfully - tried to remove that clause and, thanks to their wealthy backers, were prepared to pay as much as €25m to attain full control of Paz's future.

Arsenal enter the race

Ancelotti has already confirmed that Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Paz with a view to potentially bringing him back to the club eventually, but they will also stand to benefit if Como were to sell to someone else.

Real Madrid boast a whopping 50 per cent sell-on clause and Inter have been heavily linked with Paz in recent weeks. According to Tuttosport, the Nerazzurri are far from his only suitors, though, with Arsenal also recently sending a scout to watch him in the flesh.

Fabregas, a former Gunner, won't do his erstwhile employers any favours, however. Earlier this month, he insisted that Como wouldn't sell Paz even if offered in excess of €50m.

"Nico is a young player, and our relationship with his family is very stable," he said. "They are very happy, they thank us for all this, and it is a great pleasure for us to have him here. Nico is our brand, and we want him to continue with us for many years to come.”

“Even if Real Madrid don’t want to buy him back, Como won’t sell him for €40m or €50m because we want to create a future, an identity with this group of talented young players.”