Como midfielder Nico Paz does not intend to change clubs in January, despite interest from Real Madrid and Arsenal. According to Fabrizio Romano, the 22-year-old Argentine is determined to finish the season in Italy. Real retain the option to bring their academy graduate back for €80 million in summer 2027.
Paz continues to impress in the Champions League. On Wednesday, he helped Como thrash Lens 9-1, and he has three goals and five assists in the competition this season.
According to Romano, the Argentine leads all Champions League players for goal contributions. He registered three apiece against Manchester United and Lens.
“Even €100 million would change nothing”
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano stressed that no offer would persuade Paz to leave Como midway through the season.
“This guy has more goal contributions in the Champions League this season than any other player. Yes, I’m talking about Nico Paz. Incredible.
“He can provide assists and score goals. His output is simply astonishing: five assists and three goals already. Three goal contributions apiece against Manchester United and Lens. And Como are doing brilliantly as a team too.
“But there is one thing to remember about Nico Paz. I have said it many times: he will not leave Como under any circumstances. Even if clubs offer €80 million, €90 million or €100 million, there is no chance. Nico will finish the season at Como.
“Could Real Madrid come in January and offer money to take him immediately? Not a chance. Nico Paz has already decided to finish the season at Como. That information is 100 per cent certain.
“Then we will see what happens in the summer, because Como, of course, dream of keeping Nico and continuing to work with him.”
Nico Paz personally turned down Jose Mourinho
Real tried to bring their academy graduate back last summer, but the player himself preferred to stay in Italy.
Romano said Real president Florentino Perez and head coach Jose Mourinho were interested in bringing the Argentine back. The Portuguese even discussed the matter with him personally.
“It was Nico Paz who told Real he wanted to stay at Como. It was not a case of Real telling him: ‘OK, go to Como, we don’t need you here.’
“Real Madrid wanted to bring Nico Paz back. Florentino Perez wanted him back. Jose Mourinho himself spoke to Nico personally and by video call.
“But Paz replied: ‘Coach, I love Real Madrid and I respect you, but I prefer to stay at Como for at least another season. Here I can play every match, develop and progress, rather than sit on the bench at Real.’”
Real can only buy Paz back in summer 2027
According to Romano, Real have an €80 million buy-back option for the midfielder, but it can only be exercised in summer 2027.
“Real still have control of the situation, but not in January. There is nothing they can do now to bring Nico Paz back.
“Real have an €80 million buy-back option that is valid only in summer 2027. Not two, three or four years. Just one summer, and it will take €80 million to bring Nico back.
“Remember, Como paid almost €60 million for Paz last summer, including all parts of the deal. It was not a single payment.”
Romano also stressed that the bond between the player and Real remains strong.
“We should not forget Nico Paz’s feelings for Real and his attachment to the club.
“Nico came through La Fabrica. Sometimes you have to give Real Madrid credit for how they work with young players.
“Paz came through Real’s academy and became a star at Como, but we have to recognise Real’s role in developing this talent and choosing the right club. The decision was made not just by Real, but also by the player’s representatives.
“It was a joint decision involving his agency, and everyone made the right choice.
“Como, the player himself, his agents and Real — Nico is playing brilliantly, Real retain control of the situation and Como are enjoying their star’s performances. Everyone is happy.
“But in the summer Real will be able to bring the player back for €80 million. The final decision on a move still depends on the player himself too. However, nothing will change in January.”
What does this mean for Arsenal?
Arsenal have also been linked with a possible move for Paz, but the situation favours Real.
Como could value the Argentine at more than €80 million in an open-market sale, while Real have a pre-agreed buy-back price.
According to FootballTransfers, Paz’s estimated transfer value previously reached €76.7 million, although it subsequently fell slightly.
Arsenal will therefore find it difficult to compete with Real for the midfielder. Even Real, however, will need the consent of the player, who has already chosen regular football at Como over a return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
