Como: ‘Always confident of Nico Paz, no Chelsea negotiation for Chalobah’ | OneFootball

Como director Carlalberto Ludi was never worried that Inter or Real Madrid would take Nico Paz away, but insists there are ‘no negotiations’ with Chelsea for Trevoh Chalobah.

The product of the Real Madrid youth academy was sold to Como for just €6m with a buy-back clause set at €9m, so it was assumed that either the Merengues would recall the player, or sell him on at a huge profit this summer.

Instead, Como managed to negotiate the purchase of the remaining 50 per cent of his contract for €60m, with Real Madrid agreeing a new buy-back option worth €80m valid only for June 2027.

Como keep Nico Paz and eye Chalobah

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 21: Nico Paz of Como 1907 talks to Cesc Fabregas, Head Coach of Como 1907 during the Coppa Italia Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Como at San Siro on April 21, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“I understand the clamour to write and comment when talking about a talent like Nico Paz,” Como director Ludi told reporters when asked if he ever feared Inter swooping in.

“The truth is that we do not think about what others do, but on what we can control. We could control our rapport with Real Madrid, we could control the rapport with Nico Paz and his agents.

“We felt confident that we could control the situation after two fantastic seasons together, and put ourselves in a position to play our cards at the negotiation table.”

A key part of the deal was the fact that Nico Paz was eager to continue his adventure at Como with coach Cesc Fabregas, especially after qualifying for the Champions League.

“I do think his desire to stay was decisive,” confessed Ludi.

“We’ve got to thank Nico, but also the inspirational abilities of Fabregas, who for talents of this level represents a strategic element for Como.

“The vision and desire of the President were also decisive for keeping Nico. It’s not official yet, but we had some very interesting meetings and at the end were very happy with the results.”

KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – JUNE 22: Trevoh Chalobah #12 of England trains during and England Training Session on June 22, 2026 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Inter and Como are expected to battle on the transfer market again this summer for Chelsea defender Chalobah, but Ludi poured cold water on those questions.

“I will only define a player as an objective when there are negotiations in place. As of today, there are no negotiations for Chalobah.”

CAERNARFON, WALES – JUNE 29: Mattia Liberali of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2026 match between Italy and Serbia on June 29, 2026 in Caernarfon, Wales. (Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)

Does he have the same approach when asked about Catanzaro and Italy Under-19 midfielder Mattia Liberali?

“I cannot predict the future. I can only say he is a very talented player.”