Chelsea pushing to beat Real Madrid in the race to sign £69m midfielder | OneFootball

Chelsea Eye Move for Nico Paz Amid Real Madrid Confidence

Chelsea are reportedly preparing to challenge Real Madrid for the signing of Como attacking midfielder Nico Paz. The 21-year-old Argentina international has become one of Serie A’s most promising young talents, and his future is now the subject of significant speculation. According to Caught Offside, both Chelsea and Real Madrid are firmly in the race.

Como contract complication

Real Madrid’s plan is clear. They intend to re-sign Paz using the buy-back clause inserted into his contract, ensuring they retain control of a player who came through their ranks. However, the situation is complicated by Como’s determination to maximise his value.

As Caught Offside reported, “Paz currently looks most likely to return to Madrid, but there’s a catch – Como would ideally like to offer him a new contract so they can remove the buy-back clause and cash in on him for more money.”

That potential new deal would give Como leverage in negotiations, while simultaneously opening the door for Chelsea to test Madrid’s resolve. Como are understood to value Paz at around €80m, a figure reflective of his growing status.

Photo: IMAGO

Chelsea interest grows

The Blues are monitoring developments closely and see an opportunity to position themselves should the player commit to fresh terms in Italy. As the report noted, “Chelsea are also keen on Paz and look ready to push for his signature.”

The 21-year-old fits the ownership’s model of investing in youth with high potential and long-term value. If Chelsea were able to secure his services, it would represent both a statement signing and a continuation of their recruitment strategy under Todd Boehly’s leadership.

One source captured the intensity of the interest: “Chelsea love Nico, Chelsea will push for sure. Real Madrid are confident, but Como will try to negotiate a new contract for him to remove the buy-back clause. They believe they could then sell him for as much as €80m.”

Madrid’s confidence

For now, Real Madrid remain relaxed. They see Paz as part of their long-term future and believe the existing buy-back clause gives them control. Their confidence is rooted in both their relationship with the player and their track record of integrating academy graduates into their first-team picture.

Yet, as with many high-profile transfer stories, uncertainty lingers. Should Como succeed in renegotiating a new deal, the landscape would shift considerably. Chelsea, and perhaps other elite clubs, could then have a genuine chance of prising Paz away from Madrid’s grasp.

Picture:IMAGO

Future at the highest level

What is clear is that Paz’s talent has placed him firmly on the radar of Europe’s elite. His vision, technical skill and ability to operate in advanced midfield roles make him one of the most exciting young players in Serie A.

As Caught Offside suggested, “this looks like one to watch as CFC get serious about pursuing him.” With Chelsea’s recruitment team encouraged that there may be some hope, and Como seeking to strengthen their position, the coming months will be pivotal in determining where the Argentine starlet continues his rise.

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For Chelsea fans, this story captures both the excitement and the frustration of the modern transfer market. On one hand, Nico Paz feels like exactly the type of signing the club should be targeting. Young, technically gifted and already thriving in Europe, he represents a long-term solution in midfield and would add flair to a squad still searching for balance.

On the other hand, supporters know that competing with Real Madrid for a player who came through their academy is a monumental challenge. Madrid have history, prestige and the buy-back clause in their favour. For Chelsea to stand a chance, Como must successfully alter the terms of his deal and the player himself must be open to a different path.

Many fans will see the €80m valuation as steep, but in today’s market, it may prove worthwhile. The club have already spent heavily on young prospects, and Paz could become the jewel in that strategy. The key question will be whether Chelsea can convince him that Stamford Bridge, rather than the Bernabéu, is the place where he can truly flourish.