Chelsea are reportedly stepping up their interest in Como attacking midfielder Nico Paz after the Argentine delivered a sensational performance in his team’s 4-1 victory over Manchester United in the Champions League.
The 22-year-old scored twice and provided an assist for Anastasios Douvikas, playing a decisive role in Como’s impressive victory. His display attracted widespread attention from Italian and English media, with some observers drawing comparisons between his style and that of Lionel Messi.
According to reports cited by Sport Witness, Chelsea have continued monitoring Paz throughout the season and have reportedly sent scouts to watch him in action against Fiorentina and Feyenoord.
However, signing the talented midfielder could prove expensive. Como are reportedly demanding at least €100 million from interested clubs other than Real Madrid, who retain a buy-back option worth €80 million.
With several major European clubs potentially interested in his services, Paz’s future could become one of the most closely watched transfer stories ahead of the next transfer window.
Nico Paz Delivers a Statement Performance Against Manchester United
Paz demonstrated his attacking quality during Como’s 4-1 Champions League victory over Manchester United.
The Argentine opened the scoring with a curling effort that showcased his technique and ability to find space around the opposition penalty area.
He later added his second goal after winning possession from Carlos Baleba and driving into the defensive area before finishing the move.
Paz also assisted Douvikas, making his contribution even more significant in a match that exposed Manchester United’s defensive weaknesses.
His performance highlighted several qualities that make him attractive to elite clubs:
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Technical ability: Paz can control the ball in tight spaces and create opportunities under pressure.
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Attacking vision: His ability to identify passing lanes helps him connect midfield play with the forwards.
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Goalscoring threat: He can contribute directly through well-timed runs and accurate finishing.
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Versatility: His attacking-midfield role allows him to operate between the lines and support different phases of an attack.
Such qualities have helped Paz establish himself as an important figure in Cesc Fabregas’ Como side.
While one outstanding performance cannot determine a player’s long-term potential, his display against Manchester United has provided another reason for major clubs to monitor his development.
Chelsea Continue Monitoring Como’s Argentine Star
Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs keeping a close eye on Paz as they assess potential additions to their attacking midfield options.
According to Sport Witness, the London club have been following his progress and have sent scouts to observe him during matches against Fiorentina and Feyenoord.
This reported scouting activity suggests Chelsea are gathering information before deciding whether to pursue a transfer.
The club would need to consider how Paz could fit into its existing squad, particularly given the competition for attacking positions and the financial commitment required to sign him.
Paz’s ability to create chances, carry the ball forward and contribute goals could make him an appealing option for a team seeking additional creativity in the final third.
However, scouting a player does not necessarily mean a formal offer is imminent. Chelsea would still need to assess the asking price, the player’s contractual situation and whether a deal would fit their recruitment strategy.
For now, their reported interest places Paz among the young European-based talents attracting attention from clubs with significant transfer budgets.
Como Set a €100 Million Asking Price
One of the biggest obstacles facing Chelsea is Como’s reported valuation of Paz.
The Italian club are said to want at least €100 million from interested buyers other than Real Madrid. That figure is equivalent to approximately Rp1.5 trillion, depending on the exchange rate.
Such a valuation would make the midfielder a substantial investment, particularly for a player whose development is still ongoing.
Como have strong reasons to protect his value. Paz has become an important part of Fabregas’ team, and losing him could require the club to find a replacement capable of contributing similar creativity and attacking output.
The reported asking price also reflects the competition that can emerge when a young player attracts interest from multiple major clubs.
Chelsea would need to determine whether Paz offers enough long-term value to justify such an expensive transfer.
Important considerations could include:
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His consistency across an entire season.
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His ability to perform against different tactical systems.
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His potential development into a regular contributor at the highest level.
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The financial and sporting implications of committing such a large transfer fee.
Until negotiations are confirmed, the €100 million figure should be treated as a reported valuation rather than a final agreed price.
Real Madrid Hold an Advantage in the Transfer Race
Chelsea may face an additional complication because Real Madrid reportedly retain a buy-back option worth €80 million.
Paz previously belonged to the Spanish club before Como made his move permanent. The arrangement reportedly allows Real Madrid to bring him back under specific conditions.
That option could give Madrid a different route to securing his services compared with clubs that would need to negotiate directly with Como at the reported €100 million valuation.
The difference between the two figures is significant, although the precise contractual terms and conditions would determine how the arrangement works in practice.
Real Madrid’s position could therefore influence the transfer market surrounding Paz.
If Madrid decide to exercise their option, other interested clubs may find their opportunities limited. If they do not, Como could have greater scope to negotiate with potential buyers.
Chelsea must account for that uncertainty before making any major commitment.
Tottenham Previously Faced Difficulties Over Nico Paz
Chelsea are not the first Premier League club reportedly interested in Paz.
Tottenham Hotspur attempted to pursue the Argentine in 2025, but the reported asking price proved a significant obstacle to completing a deal.
That earlier interest illustrates how difficult it could be for English clubs to negotiate with Como.
A high valuation can discourage potential buyers even when they recognise a player’s technical quality and long-term potential.
Chelsea may therefore need to consider whether to meet Como’s demands or explore other targets if the negotiations become too expensive.
Much will depend on how strongly the club prioritises adding another creative midfielder and whether the available budget can accommodate a transfer of this scale.
Could Nico Paz Become Argentina’s Next Great Attacking Talent?
Paz’s performances have also prompted comparisons with Lionel Messi, particularly after his impressive showing against Manchester United.
Italian publication Corriere della Sera reportedly awarded him a rating of 9 out of 10 for the performance, while discussion surrounding his future has included suggestions that he could become an important figure for Argentina.
Such comparisons naturally attract attention, but they should be treated as expressions of excitement about his potential rather than evidence that he has already reached Messi’s level.
Paz still has to demonstrate consistency over time and continue developing against increasingly demanding opposition.
Nevertheless, his combination of technical skill, attacking intelligence and goalscoring ability gives him a platform to build on.
His continued progress at Como will be important, regardless of whether he eventually moves to Chelsea, returns to Real Madrid or remains in Italy.
Chelsea Face a Major Decision Over Nico Paz
Nico Paz two goals and assist against Manchester United have strengthened the attention surrounding his future, with Chelsea reportedly continuing to monitor his performances.
However, a potential transfer involves more than his recent form. Como’s reported €100 million valuation and Real Madrid’s buy-back option could significantly influence any negotiations.
Chelsea must decide whether Paz represents the right long-term investment and whether his potential justifies the financial commitment.
For now, no completed transfer or formal agreement has been established by the information provided. Paz remains a Como player, and his performances throughout the season could shape the next stage of his career.
If his development continues, the Argentine midfielder could remain a prominent name in the upcoming transfer market.
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