Chelsea have taken their first official step in the pursuit of highly rated Como midfielder Nico Paz — but early reports suggest the transfer could become extremely “complex” due to several major obstacles involving top European clubs. According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea have formally enquired about the 21-year-old as they prepare a bold move ahead of the 2026 window. The Blues are fully convinced of Paz’s skyrocketing potential and want to act quickly before his valuation climbs toward the projected €100 million mark that scouts believe he may reach within two years.
Paz has rapidly emerged as one of the most in-demand creative midfielders in Europe, impressing Serie A with his intelligence, consistency, and standout technical quality. Chelsea’s recruitment department have placed him near the top of their long-term midfield targets and are quietly assessing whether a summer agreement could be possible before the competition intensifies. But they are far from alone. Arsenal are actively pushing to lure Paz to North London, pitching themselves as the more stable Premier League project, while Tottenham have already had an early approach dismissed, with Como refusing to adjust their valuation or sales timeline.
Interest in Italy is equally fierce. Inter Milan are reportedly preparing a €58 million offer as they attempt to move early and beat rivals before Paz’s market value soars. Inter consider him a generational midfielder and believe their Serie A presence gives them an edge in negotiations.
However, the biggest hurdle in this transfer chase comes from Real Madrid, who still retain significant influence over Paz’s future. When Los Blancos sold him to Como for €6 million, they inserted a 50% sell-on clause and two crucial buy-back options — €9 million in 2026 and €10 million in 2027. These clauses allow Madrid to block, delay, or heavily influence any deal involving Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs, or Inter. Madrid’s hierarchy is monitoring his progress closely, and many within the club believe they could activate the buy-back clause themselves if his development continues at its current pace.
With five major clubs — Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid — all in the mix, the race for Nico Paz is intensifying long before any formal bidding begins. Chelsea may have made the first concrete move, but with Madrid holding key leverage and several elite sides preparing their own plans, this could become one of the most dramatic transfer sagas heading into the 2026 window.
Who will eventually secure Paz’s signature? The battle has officially begun.
#transfernews #Chelsea #Arsenal #RealMadrid #Spurs #InterMilan #Game
