Arsenal eye Nico Paz swoop as Real Madrid retain control

Arsenal are closely monitoring Como midfielder Nico Paz following his impressive rise in Serie A. Reports suggest the Premier League side is planning to make a formal approach for the 22-year-old Argentine in January 2027.

However, any potential transfer is heavily complicated by Real Madrid's involvement. Despite selling the player, the Spanish giants retain significant influence over his future. They hold a unilateral €80m buy-back clause that becomes active in the summer of 2027, granting them decisive control if a suitor submits a concrete bid.

Since leaving Madrid in 2024, Nico Paz has developed into a pivotal figure under head coach Cesc Fabregas. His attacking output helped propel Como into the Champions League, and he continues to shine as the team's primary number 10.

Three distinct outcomes now face the playmaker. He could remain at Como to continue his development, Arsenal could push for a move in early 2027 forcing Madrid's hand, or Los Blancos might decide to trigger their repurchase option to bring their academy product back to the Santiago Bernabeu.