Chelsea ready to fork out €30 million for former Real Madrid man

Chelsea are showing interest in a summer move for Como star Nico Paz

Chelsea are prepared to make a significant move in the summer transfer window as they aim to secure the signing of Nico Paz, the former Real Madrid midfielder currently plying his trade at Como in Serie A. The London club are ready to table an offer worth €30 million to bring the talented 20-year-old Argentine to Stamford Bridge, according to a report from Fichajes.

Paz’s career trajectory has been intriguing. The midfielder came through the Real Madrid academy, making a strong impression at youth level and even earning a handful of senior appearances. Despite his undeniable potential, he found himself on the periphery of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans, with the Madrid manager preferring more established attacking options in his crowded squad. This prompted Paz to seek more regular playing time, leading to his move to Como last summer in search of first-team football.

Since his arrival in Italy, Paz has been nothing short of exceptional. He has become a vital part of Como’s attacking structure, featuring in 32 matches and directly contributing to 13 goals. Although he is primarily a playmaker operating as a No. 10, he has also showcased his versatility by playing in deeper roles, on the right flank, and even as a false nine. This positional adaptability has not gone unnoticed by Chelsea, who see Paz as a potential creator-in-chief under Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea believe that Paz has the technical ability and tactical intelligence to make an immediate impact in their squad. The club’s hierarchy is particularly keen on his playmaking abilities, which they believe could complement the likes of Enzo Fernández and Cole Palmer while adding much-needed creativity to a team that has often looked one-dimensional in attack. Chelsea’s confidence is further buoyed by their financial strength, which they believe gives them the edge over other interested parties.

Chelsea Could Face Competition for Paz

Despite Chelsea’s aggressive approach, the pursuit of Nico Paz is far from straightforward. Tottenham Hotspur are also in the running for the Argentine. Spurs view Paz as a player who could compete with James Maddison for a place in the starting XI. With Maddison already playing a crucial role in Ange Postecoglou’s setup, Tottenham see Paz as a natural fit in the attacking midfield role, providing them with a creative spark and depth in advanced areas.

However, Tottenham may struggle to match Chelsea’s financial power. The Blues are ready to double down with a lucrative offer and a promise of a key role in Maresca’s project, a proposition that could prove decisive in convincing Paz to choose West London over North London.

Real Madrid also remain a potential obstacle in this deal. Los Blancos still retain a buy-back clause for Paz, allowing them to reacquire the midfielder for a relatively modest fee. While there is no indication that Madrid are actively pursuing a return for Paz, they could still consider activating the clause to either reintegrate him into their squad or sell him for a higher fee.

Nico Paz represents exactly the type of player Chelsea should be targeting: young, technically gifted, and with room to develop into a long-term asset. In a squad lacking creative options, Paz’s vision and playmaking ability could add much-needed dynamism and unpredictability. However, the €30 million price tag is significant for a player still making his way in Serie A.

The move could go either way. On one hand, Paz could emerge as a breakout star, much like Martin Ødegaard did after leaving Real Madrid. On the other, he could struggle to adapt to the Premier League’s physicality and pace, especially given his limited top-flight experience.

If Chelsea are serious about Paz, they should look to close the deal quickly before Tottenham and Real Madrid complicate negotiations. The Blues have the financial muscle to outbid most suitors, but they must also provide a clear developmental path to ensure Paz becomes more than just another promising talent lost in the shuffle at Stamford Bridge.