Chelsea have joined the hunt for Nico Paz and have been watching him closely this season, TBR Football understands.
Paz was a summer target for Tottenham Hotspur, and held talks but a deal was never possible given the fact 21-year-old Argentine international is wanted at Real Madrid.
Real Madrid allowed Paz to join Como in 2024, but they do have a buy-back clause on the player and have informed the attacking midfielder that they see a future for him at the Bernabeu.
Paz himself is understood to be keen on a return to the Spanish capital. But any buy-back is subject to the player’s approval.
That was the main reason Spurs did not push it further as he was happy to spend another season with Como in Serie A.
However, now there is another club in the mix, as the Blues are monitoring him closely as they hope to bolster their ranks in this position.
Exclusive: Chelsea have viewed Nico Paz multiple times, but face stiff competition
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has now provided further insight into Paz’s future. Tottenham have maintained a watching brief, while Arsenal also appreciates him.
TBR Football can confirm that Chelsea are very much paying close attention to him, as they are in the market for another attacking midfielder heading into 2026.
Chelsea’s top target is understood to be Morgan Rogers, but they are working on other targets in case that deal doesn’t happen.
We can confirm that their recruitment department have highlighted Paz, who is emerging as one of the top young attacking midfielders in Europe.
Chelsea have viewed Paz on more than one occasion this term, with one of those seeing him turn in a majestic performance in Como’s 2-1 win at Fiorentina, in which he created both goals.
Paz’s performances this season have been hugely impressive. He has three goals and three assists from his five Serie A appearances thus far.
Chelsea, though, are not the only team impressed by Paz’s displays, as well as Real Madrid, the likes of Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan are also looking closely, as the competition for his signature only grows.
Our chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, confirmed the situation regarding Paz.
“Paz is one of the form players in Europe. He has been outstanding for Cesc Fabregas and Como. Real Madrid have told him they intend to bring him back, but that will depend on the player.
“Chelsea are one of the sides to pay close attention to him this season, and it is clear he has impressed them.
“Paz, for his part, is concentrating on his football as his main aim this season is to make Argentina’s World Cup finals squad.”
Chelsea have been stretched in the attacking midfield role due to Cole Palmer’s injury
Chelsea already boasts one of the most gifted attacking midfielders in world football with Cole Palmer, who has been the best player at the club since he joined.
However, Palmer’s groin injury this season has highlighted Chelsea’s lack of depth in this area of the pitch, which has caused Enzo Maresca problems this season.
Facundo Buonanotte has been used in Palmer’s absence, but the 20-year-old is only at Stamford Bridge on a season-long loan from Brighton.
Bringing in some competition for Palmer is high on Chelsea’s priority list, which would also allow the England international to be used out wide as well.