Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea locked in £84m battle for Como midfielder Nico Paz

Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly competing to sign Como midfielder Nico Paz, according to TEAMtalk. The 22-year-old Argentine has impressed in Serie A, but Como want around £84m and Real Madrid hold a £67m buyback clause active next summer.

  • Player: Nico Paz (Como, 22, Argentine international)
  • Clubs interested: Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea
  • Asking price: Around £84m (€100m)
  • Real Madrid clause: £67m (€80m) buyback active next summer
  • Como stance: No intention to sell in January
  • Source: TEAMtalk report

Deal details

Manchester United and Arsenal have been keen on signing Paz, having been impressed by his recent development. Chelsea have scouted him extensively, with Xabi Alonso liking him very much, according to the report.

Como have no intention of letting him leave in January and are planning to demand around £84m (€100m) if they are forced to cash in. However, the Serie A club's stance is not the only obstacle: Real Madrid hold a buyback clause worth around £67m (€80m) that becomes active next summer.

Paz moved to Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia from Real Madrid a couple of years ago. He took his game to another level last campaign, scoring 13 goals and registering seven assists in 40 appearances across all competitions, helping Como qualify for the Champions League by finishing fourth in Serie A.

This season, the youngster has continued to impress, scoring five goals and registering six assists in 11 appearances across all competitions. He even helped Como thrash Man Utd 4-1 in the Champions League by scoring twice and notching up an assist last week.

The numbers

  • Age: 22
  • Last season: 13 goals, 7 assists in 40 appearances (all competitions)
  • This season: 5 goals, 6 assists in 11 appearances (all competitions)
  • Como asking price: Around £84m (€100m)
  • Real Madrid buyback clause: Around £67m (€80m), active next summer
  • Height: 6ft 1in
  • Preferred foot: Left

Why the buyback clause changes everything

Nico Paz is a technically gifted left-footed creative midfielder who can also provide cover on the right flank. He creates opportunities for attackers, has an eye for scoring goals from distance, and is efficient at taking set-pieces. Standing at 6ft 1in, he can dribble past opposition defenders in tight areas.

The presence of Real Madrid's buyback clause is a major factor. If the clause becomes active next summer, Madrid could re-sign Paz for around £67m, well below Como's £84m valuation. That gives the Spanish giants significant leverage and could deter Premier League clubs from making a move in January.

For Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, the appeal is clear. Paz has proven his worth in club football and has secured his place in the Argentinian national team. He is a talented player with high potential, and might be a shrewd acquisition should any of those clubs purchase him.

However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club, the West London club or the Old Trafford club eventually make a concrete approach to secure his services. The report states that Como's stance won't be the only obstacle, and the buyback clause adds another layer of complexity.

Talking points

  • Should Manchester United, Arsenal or Chelsea pay £84m for a 22-year-old who has never played in the Premier League, especially with Real Madrid lurking?
  • Does the buyback clause make any January move futile, or could a club persuade Paz to reject a Madrid return?
  • Which of the three Premier League clubs needs Paz most, given his ability to play as a creative midfielder or on the right?
  • Is Como's £84m valuation realistic for a player who cost them a fraction of that from Real Madrid a couple of years ago?

What happens next

Como are determined to keep Paz for their Champions League push and have no intention of selling in January. The next key date is next summer, when Real Madrid's £67m buyback clause becomes active. Premier League clubs must decide whether to test Como's resolve in January or wait for the summer window, when Madrid could enter the race.

Frequently asked questions

Are Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea interested in Nico Paz?

Yes, according to TEAMtalk, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are all interested in signing Nico Paz. Chelsea have scouted him extensively, with Xabi Alonso liking him very much.

How much would Nico Paz cost?

Como are planning to demand around £84m (€100m) if they are forced to cash in on Paz. However, Real Madrid hold a buyback clause worth around £67m (€80m) that becomes active next summer.

Will Nico Paz leave Como in January?

Como have no intention of letting Paz leave in January, according to the report. They are determined to keep him for their Champions League campaign.

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